Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

This story will appear shortly in the Texas Monthly Magazine. There was a piece published on the internet about a young Texas rancher, Austin Riley who had raised this pet wart hog and named it Waylon Jennings. It followed him around and they were almost inseparable. After Waylon had his meal, he would often curl up and take a nap with Austin!

However, when Waylon in not a small pig any longer, but a 250-pound adult male, one day he attacks and tries to kill Austin. His sharp tusks goring Austin legs, and even gored him in his chest and neck. If the ambulance had not gotten Austin to the hospital in the short time it did, he would have died from the loss of almost 50% of his total blood!

What was a surprise to me, I remember reading a story of another young man who decided to collect and hatch out twenty wild turkeys and follow them daily until they no longer wanted or needed his protection. This alone was quite an interesting story and lasted almost two years. Then, just as a ‘post visit’ Joe Hutto goes back to see if he can find any of his flock of young turkeys.

Well, he did come across one tom turkey that was part of his flock. Upon finding him, this turkey immediately attacked him, and Joe had to pick up a large stick to fight him off.

Do you see the similarities between Waylon the wart hog and the tom turkey? I believe there is a strong connection. What appears to me to be quite similar is there can be only one ‘top dog’ in animal society. In Waylon’s and the Tom turkey’s world, there can only be one ‘top dog’ and they will fight to gain that position. Now I am no animal psychiatrist, but these two incidents are pretty clear to me they shared the same motivation. Just Sayin…RJS

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

See a lot of people trying to raise wild animals. Not a smart thing to do. Thanks for the story Robert

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

It’s in the name….Wild animals are meant to be just that!

USAF Major Loc: Sea Bright, NJ

Should have gelded the warthog!

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

I regret to think counter to your idea. But how do you know that would alter the wart hog's actions? Just Sayin...RJS

USAF Major Loc: Sea Bright, NJ

The vets do it to some thoroughbreds to make them easier to handle and I think to increase their stamina. Was thinking less hormones might keep the warthog rather docile. Do I 'know'? No, just an unfounded conclusion.

Mauwehu Loc: Norwalk Ct

Wild is wild! We had a chimp in the next town who one day decided to eat the owners friends face off.
Steve Irvin after all of his animal encounters, dies from a sting ray-sting.
A lot of people get hurt taking selfies with bison, bears….
Wild IS wild!

kandydisbar Loc: West Orange, NJ

I agree! And some people are just not too smart!

Bcmech1 Loc: Clinton Wisconsin

I think it was a matter of people doing dumb things. A wild animal should remain just that, a wild animal. I know there ase exceptions to this, but I think it is best for the critter to live like it was meant to.