Strange Wild Pigs in California - What Turned Their Flesh Blue?

A professional trapper had one question about the wild pig he'd found in California. Why was its flesh blue?

The Los Angeles Times explains:
[California's Department of Fish and Wildlife] is now warning trappers and hunters to keep an eye out for possibly contaminated wildlife in the area, and not to consume the tainted meat, over concerns the blue meat is a sign that the animal may have consumed poison.... The startling find of wild pigs with bright blue tissue in Monterey County suggests the animals have been exposed to anticoagulant rodenticide diphacinone, a popular poison used by farmers and agriculture companies to control the population of rats, mice, squirrels and other small animals, according to a statement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 'Hunters should be aware that the meat of game animals, such as wild pig, deer, bear and geese, might be contaminated if that game animal has been exposed to rodenticides,' said Ryan Bourbor, pesticide investigations coordinator with the state agency.

Diphacinone has been prohibited in California since 2024 (with exceptions for government agencies sor their certified Vector Control Technicians).

The state's Fish and Wildlife department says anyone who finds wildlife with blue fat or tissue should contact the state's wildlife officials.

Thanks to long-time Slashdot reader Bruce66423 for sharing the news.

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