THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT ON POLK COUNTY ROADS
Renee Adden's 2007 Dodge truck was damaged when it struck a feral hog.
Couple Hit Wild Hog Late at Night on 146, SCHWAB CITY, May 18, 2009 - At 11:06 pm on May 18, 2009, a gray 2007 Dodge Ram full size truck driven by Renee Adden, 29, of Rye was south-bound on US-146 near 2665 when a feral hog wandered into the path of their truck. "We couldn't see him until we were right up on him" Adden said. Adden was driving home with her husband Scott when the scary incident occurred. Adden's truck struck the hog killing it. Fortunately, they were able to keep control of their truck. "That was the largest wild hog I've ever seen" she said. Adden's truck sustained moderate front end damage and the collision jammed the driver's side door so that it couldn't be opened. DPS Troopers David Morris and Kevin Burman were dispatched to the scene to do a report. Fortunately, nobody (other than the hog) was hurt in the collision.
What makes the feral hogs so dangerous is, they're not only relatively large, but their fur is black and during the night time hours it's hard to see them until you're right up on them. Year round Polk County roads are commonly danger hot spots for drivers due to our indigenous wild game. In addition to feral hogs, there's also armadillos, deer, coyotes and occasional foxes. Factor our wild game in with the all too common loose livestock that often gets through their fences and you've got to be on your toes when driving on East Texas rural roads, especially at night. Renee and Scott's truck was drivable and they were able to make it home well before mid-night.
Renee Adden (right) couldn't open her door from the damage caused from the collision with the wild hog.
DPS Trooper Kevin Burman speaks with Renee Adden.
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