One of the less known parts of DuPuis is the Powerline Grade along the eastern perimeter. A one way trip is 13 miles long and can be traveled on foot, bike, horse, or car. As the name implies, the shellrock road parallels high tension power lines running south from the FPL Indiantown plant. The southern half of the road runs between a canal (with many resident alligators) and the adjacent Corbett WMA. You may also see otters, deer, birds and various Florida fauna. Bringing your camera is recommended! Happy caching!
Feral hogs (sus scrofa), also known as wild pigs or razorbacks, are an invasive species of mammals found in the southeastern United States. Most are descended from pigs brought to Florida by Spanish explorers and colonists, supplemented by later escapees from farms and intentional releases for hunting. Feral hogs average hogs weigh 200-300 lbs and are about five feet long, but much larger hogs have been occasionally found. They are usually brown or black in color. Hogs will usually flee from predators (including humans), but will sometimes charge and fight with their sharp tusks, especially if cornered or if their piglets are threatened.
Hogs compete for food with native species like deer. They are very destructive rooters, leaving behind areas of land that appear torn up by small artillery bombardment. This rooting causes erosion problem and damages native vegetation. Hogs are preyed on by panthers and alligators; bobcats, coyotes, wolves, and large birds of prey may also bring down hogs, especially piglets and the old or sick. However, these predators are insufficient to curb the population growth of hogs so they are extensively hunted by humans as well.
