Wild hog blamed in attack on dogs

RUIDOSO DOWNS, N.M. (KRQE) - Wild hogs, or feral pigs, if you prefer, from Texas have reportedly been invading New Mexico's countryside .

They devour crops and small animals and tear through irrigation lines. Now, there's fear these wild animals are venturing into towns.  

On Wednesday Ruidoso Downs resident Beverly Renfro retraced the steps in her neighbor's yard where she said two small dogs were attacked by a wild hog Sunday night.

"I'm positive," Renfro said.  "Everybody has their own theory on what it was, but I'm positive."

Both dogs were able to get away but suffered large bite wounds. When the owner went to check it out, she claims she saw a hog and ran back inside.
     
While Renfro drove the neighborhood searching for the other dog the night of the attack, she spotted what she believes to be the culprit.

"As I came on up and shined my flashlight on it, I was very surprised to see that it was a pig that I was looking at," said Renfro.

She called police and tried to keep an eye on it but said it ran off into the brush. After talking with other residents, including some at Inspiration Heights Apartments, she found she's not the only one who claims they've seen feral hogs nearby.
     
Now, Renfro and city officials are posting signs in the area to warn others.

"I want the citizens to understand that if they see this to let us know about it because we're in a position to do something about it," Ruidoso Downs Mayor Gary Williams.

Wildlife officials have also confirmed feral hog tracks in the area and said they're looking for food and water. The hogs are known to eat anything and everything, and that worries Renfro.

"Whenever you know that they're coming right here into town, it is scary," she continued.  "I have small animals, too."

Wildlife officials have set up traps and a camera in Ruidoso Downs to try and see just how many feral pigs are out there.

The hogs can be aggressive, so if someone finds themselves face to face with any, officials say to slowly back away and call authorities.