'Swino,' the beer- stealing Aussie pig, remembered

Monday, February 3, 2014

The De Grey River rest area in Western Australia has become a safer but less interesting place after the October death of a headline-making feral pig.

Dubbed "Swino" by locals, the pig was most likely hit by a truck, but before he died he left a legacy of stolen snacks, beer and general mischief in his wake.

Business Insider Australia reports that Swino would tear apart garbage bags for discarded food and "take beer cans, crush them and then lap up the contents." Swino was a mean drunk. According to The Drinks Business website, he once downed three six-packs and then started a fight with a cow.

The pig was hunted but never caught. As Fionna Findley of Main Roads Western Australia told ABC News, "Our guys aren't equipped to contain or control these wild animals, especially under the influence."

However, all that's in the past, and Main Roads is now considering erecting a plaque in Swino's honour. Various sources report different messaging for the potential plaque, including a reminder to travellers to pull over and rest, to not drink and drive, and to properly secure food rubbish while camping. BP