In 2013, an unexpected and truly bizarre incident occurred at the DeGrey River rest area, located just east of the remote Australian town of Port Hedland in Western Australia. A feral pig, hungry for something more than just food, raided the campsites and drank a staggering 18 cans of beer. What followed was a chaotic, memorable rampage that would soon become one of the most talked-about animal stories in the country.
The story begins when a group of campers parked near the DeGrey River heard strange noises in the middle of the night. Armed with only their torches, they ventured out to investigate. What they discovered left them stunned—there, under the dim light of their flashlights, was a feral pig happily crunching away at their six-pack of beer.
As if that wasn’t odd enough, the pig didn’t stop there. It was soon spotted raiding trash bags, devouring whatever food it could find. The campers later reported that the pig seemed to be thoroughly enjoying itself, with no intention of stopping.
As bizarre as it sounds, the pig’s beer binge didn’t end there. It was estimated that the animal had consumed 18 cans of beer, much more than anyone had initially suspected. But this was just the beginning of the wild spectacle.
After satisfying its thirst, the pig began causing even more mayhem. In the early hours of the morning, the animal found itself in an unexpected confrontation with a local cow. Witnesses described how the cow chased the pig around a parked vehicle, in a strange, yet humorous, standoff that could only be described as a farmyard version of a street brawl.
“It was in the middle of the night and it was these people camping opposite us and they heard this crunching of the can and they got their torch out and shone it on the pig and there he was scrunching away at their cans. And then there was some other people camped right on the river and they saw him running around their vehicle being chased by a cow.
It was going around and around and then it went into the river and swam across to the middle of the river.”
One camper named Merida recounted.
But the story doesn’t end with the pig being chased around by the cow. No, this feral pig had more tricks up its sleeve. After escaping the chase, the drunken pig ran towards the DeGrey River, a large body of water flowing through the area. It swam across the river and, seemingly exhausted from its rampage, settled down underneath a tree. There, the pig apparently fell asleep, possibly nursing what could only be described as a very serious hangover.
As strange as the incident was, the pig’s wild behavior did not go unnoticed. The story quickly spread across the internet, turning this drunken animal into a local legend. Campers began calling the pig “Swino,” a fitting name that combined the animal’s wild antics with the term “wino” for a person with an obvious affinity for alcohol.
The story of Swino the drunken pig became iconic, and the area’s local officials even considered erecting a memorial to remind people of the importance of properly securing food and drinks while camping.
The event also sparked an important discussion about feral pigs in Australia. These animals are considered a serious invasive species, notorious for spreading diseases, damaging crops, and competing with native species for food. The government strongly advises people not to feed these wild animals and to report sightings to prevent further damage. Despite this, the incident with Swino brought to light the issue of feral pigs in a more amusing and relatable way, showing that even the most destructive creatures can have their own comical, unexpected moments.
While some may view the incident with a sense of amusement, others, especially those who experienced the chaos firsthand, have since been reminded of the need to secure their food and drinks when camping. This warning has not only kept people on their toes but also contributed to raising awareness about the impact of feral animals in rural Australia. A simple act of leaving beer unattended ended up becoming a viral story with a deeper message: always stay aware of your surroundings, even when you’re just enjoying a night in the wild.
In the end, the drunken rampage of Swino the pig remains a strange chapter in the history of camping in Western Australia. It’s a tale of a wild animal whose thirst led to unexpected consequences—one that locals and tourists alike will likely remember for years to come.