Going Hog Wild

Sighting a sounder of one dozen yesterday across the valley at dusk was initially disturbing, but then I thought about what positive effects they do bring to this environment. Considered ecosystem engineers in European environments where they evolved naturally, they are regarded as a beneficial species. Having observed effects of their foraging on the new homestead parcel over time here now, I have to agree that they do some good to improve soil, opening up opportunities for rarer native plants to gain roothold. And they are a source of protein so easily trapped that I'm considering catching one soon to butcher for the larder.