Hogzilla didn't kidnap the girl, climb the tall building or scare the masses. In fact, those who saw the feral hog alive said he was too big to be light on his feet.But the animal, rumored to be 12 feet long and 1,000 pounds when he was killed, has created quite a stir in the hearts of people in Alapaha - a small community 125 miles south of Macon. Although some residents doubt his existence, the wild hog has brought the city almost instant fame and even became the mascot of their annual fall festival."We've had a hogzilla of a time with this," said Darlene Turner, who operates her family's business, Jernigan's Farm Supply. "It has put us on the map."Since rumors of his existence started in June, newspapers around the world have covered the story of the monster-sized hog. Two weeks ago, a group of forensic scientists and a National Geographic Channel television crew traveled to Alapaha and unearthed the wild animal's remains.Although officials are keeping silent on their findings, property owner Ken Holyoak said they did confirm the remains were found, studied and then reburied at the original site. Holyoak owns the River Oak Plantation and Ken's Fish Hatchery, where Hogzilla was killed."They said when we get the reports, we're going to be really happy," Holyoak said. "I'm just glad they came down here to do this. ... It's time to get the truth out there."

Russell Howard, vice president of communications for the National Geographic Channel, said Hogzilla is scheduled to be an episode of the National Geographic Explorer show early next year. Howard declined Friday to give any additional details about the show.Last spring, one of Holyoak's employees told him he kept seeing a large hog roaming around their property. In June, Chris Griffin shot the animal and then called his boss."I went right over there and couldn't believe it," Holyoak said. "His head was about as big as a car tire."

View: Full Article | Source: Macon