Captive, escaped, abandoned or released livestock, pets and animals can harm natural wildlife populations. Their presence can also disrupt and damage ecosystems.
Input sought on feral pigs, release of farmed mink
The DNR is one of four state agencies now reviewing legal authority and responsibilities for feral pig and mink management.
People can provide input and perspectives on feral animals in an online questionnaire. They also can join an informational webinar from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14. Items scheduled for discussion are:
- Roles and responsibilities of state agencies
- Potential changes in state management
- Opportunities to provide input
The state agency review of information collected will be presented to the Legislature, which mandated that state agencies review and report on this information in response to reports of invasive pigs approaching the U.S.-Canada border as well as disease outbreaks caused by the release of farmed mink.
The report is intended to proactively identify any gaps in management and develop policy recommendations to further prevent negative impacts on the environment and human health.
Engage with DNR today
Submit written comments by Tuesday, Nov. 28, via:
- Email:
[email protected] - U.S. postal mail:
Feral Swine and Mink Report
DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, Minnesota 55082
Use the resources listed here to learn more about these animals and regulations that may govern their possession, captivity and release.
White-tailed deer farms: The DNR administers and enforces certain statutes and rules governing white-tailed deer farms.
Feral swine: Feral swine are pigs that live in the wild. They can carry dangerous diseases that pose a significant threat to commercial hogs and other domestic animals. They also cause habitat and ecosystem damage.
Livestock and pets: Click the "Animals" menu on the top left of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health website to view information about dogs, cats, deer, elk, poultry, horses, sheep, goats, cattle and swine.
Sick, injured or orphaned wildlife: It's important to minimize human impacts on animal populations and, though sometimes difficult, let nature take its course.
Animal permits: Permits issued by the DNR may allow scientists, educators, animal control authorities, natural resource professionals and the public to take or possess live animals, animal remains, nests and homes for educational and research purposes.
Rabies: The rabies virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, which must bite another animal or human to spread the virus.
Fur farm licensing: Registration is voluntary for people engaged in breeding, raising, producing and marketing fur-bearing animals or the products of fur-bearing animals.
Importing birds and mammals: All birds and mammals imported into Minnesota, unless specifically exempted, must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by a veterinarian accredited in the state of origin.
Rabbits: Rabbit hemorrhagic disease has been confirmed in feral and wild rabbits.
Terrestrial invasive species: Regulations related to invasive species at the federal, state, and local levels.