A herd of 15 pigs caused a disruption on a New Jersey highway on Wednesday morning after escaping from a local farm. The animals were spotted on Route 565 in Sussex County, creating a hazard for drivers.
New Jersey State Police arrived at the scene shortly after 8:30 a.m. and worked to contain the loose livestock. According to the Wantage Township Animal Shelter, the pigs were "running at large, creating a hazard for motorists."
Officials described the rescue effort as a "follow the leader" situation, where corralling one animal often led the others to follow. Animal control officers, along with the farm's owner, eventually guided the pigs back to their pasture.
The exact cause of the escape remains unconfirmed, though a damaged fence is a possibility, according to Michael Restel, Wantage Township Administrator. While state law requires farms to secure livestock, the owner was not cited, and no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
An hour after the event, the Wantage Township Animal Shelter provided an update on Facebook, stating that all the pigs were safely returned home. The shelter emphasized its commitment to the safety of residents and the well-being of animals. The incident prompted some lighthearted reactions from residents in the comments section of the shelter's post.