Australian officials search for drunken pig

PERTH, Australia, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Officials in Western Australia said they are searching for a feral pig accused of stealing food and beer from campers.

Fionna Findley, a spokeswoman for Main Roads Western Australia, said the feral pig has been ripping up bags filled with trash by cleanup crews and stealing from campers in the Pilbara area, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported Monday.

"They bundled up the rubbish in liners and then they attend to other rest areas nearby, and when they returned it was all ripped apart," Findley said. "And when they were talking to some of the road users that were parked over for the night, I think they were camping actually, they said the pig stole their beers, drank them and then afterwards proceeded to tear apart the bin liners."

"We just want to remind everyone when you do pull over, make sure [your food and alcohol] is securely stored because there are a lot of animals out there that are keen for a free feed," Findley said.

A camper who gave her name as Merida said the pig is believed to be behind the theft of about 18 cans of beer from some fellow campers.

"It was in the middle of the night and it was these people camping opposite us and they heard this crunching of the can and they got their torch out and shone it on the pig and there he was scrunching away at their cans," Merida said.

Findley said crews are searching for the thieving pig.

"It was last seen near the river itself, under a tree," she said. "I think it's nursing its head today. Our guys aren't equipped to contain or control these wild animals, especially under the influence."

"The guys who attended the scene said they had a chat to the guys and they were more upset the pig stole their beer," Findley said.