Alabama Family Faces Unwelcome Visitor: Potbellied Pig Refuses to Leave Yard
MOBILE, Ala. — An Alabama family has found themselves in a peculiar standoff with an unlikely tenant: a potbellied pig that showed up uninvited and refuses to leave their yard. Jamie Watt, the homeowner, first noticed the approximately 100-pound hog on his property on January 16. Since then, the pig has made itself at home, rooting up grass and bedding down in the garden, much to Watt’s frustration.
“I just want him gone because I know what kind of destruction they can do, but I can’t get rid of him,” Watt told WKRG-TV. Despite repeated attempts to chase the pig away, it remains steadfast, seemingly content with the food and shelter it has found.
Local animal control officials have been contacted but say their hands are tied until the pig’s owner is identified. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, authorities require proof of ownership before intervening in cases involving domestic animals like potbellied pigs. Watt has made efforts to locate the owner but has come up empty, leaving the pig in a state of limbo.
Potbellied pigs are known for their intelligence and can cause significant damage to lawns and gardens due to their natural rooting behavior. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System notes that while they can be affectionate pets, their care requires commitment and proper containment to prevent property damage. Watt’s concern is not just about the immediate destruction but the potential for ongoing issues if the pig remains.
“I have tried to find the owner and cannot find the owner, and we just want him gone,” Watt said. He emphasized that he does not wish to harm the animal but hopes someone will step forward to reclaim or rehome the pig. “His rent’s due, and he needs to go,” Watt added with a mix of humor and exasperation.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by homeowners when unexpected animals take up residence. The Humane Society of the United States advises that local animal control agencies are the first point of contact for stray or unwanted animals, but their ability to act depends on local laws and the identification of ownership.
As the days pass, the pig continues to enjoy its unauthorized stay, undeterred by efforts to evict it. Meanwhile, Watt remains hopeful that either the owner will come forward or a new home will be found for the persistent visitor. Until then, the potbellied pig remains a stubborn and unusual fixture in this Alabama neighborhood.
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