15 Pigs Escape Onto North Jersey Highway

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — Fifteen pigs escaped from a farm in Sussex County on Wednesday and made a run for it — winding up on a highway and creating a hazard for drivers, officials said.

The state police and Wantage Township Animal Control responded to corral the porkers all the way home.

The incident began around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. The animals escaped through a broken fence at a farm in Frankford Township, Wantage Animal Control Officer Melanie Monastra told Patch.

Approximately 15 pigs were "running at large, creating a hazard for motorists" on Route 565, according to a statement from Wantage Township Animal Control, which has a shared services agreement with Frankford.

The state police were first on the scene around 8:38 a.m., pushing the road hogs off the highway and keeping them contained.

Animal control then worked with the owner of the farm to guide them back.

Monastra said, "The pigs were following me back to the pasture and then the owner arrived and assisted on guiding them back as well."

Wantage Animal Control posted on social media, "We understand that livestock can occasionally get loose, and our priority is protecting both the safety of our residents and the well-being of the animals. We're happy to report that all of these piggies are safely back home."

They noted, "As a reminder, we live in Sussex County, where encounters like this can happen. If you see emergency responders working to contain animals or manage any roadside incident, please slow down, stay alert, and keep your attention on the road.

"While it may be tempting to take photos or videos, using your phone while driving creates an unnecessary risk for everyone involved."