MONTPELIER, Vt. — House lawmakers in Vermont have approved a ban on wild boar, after state Fish and Wildlife officials said they are concerned the boar could escape from captive hunting facilities and attack other animals.

Vermont Public Radio reports Williston Democrat Jim McCullough said wild hogs are an invasive species, reproduce rapidly and are known to cause significant damage.

He said the bill, which was approved Thursday, targets all varieties of wild boar and their genetic cousins.

The department had asked the Legislature to ban possession and importation of the animals.