In order to control the overpopulation of feral swine in the country, USDA is starting to use sodium nitrite, a preservative used to cure meat, as a poison on the animals, reports the Associated Press.
According to USDA, feral swine are a destructive invasive species with at least 5 million animals spread over 39 states. Highly reproductive and adaptable to many habitats, the swine cause about $1.5 billion in damages and control costs each year.