Texas Gov. Abbott Signs Law Allowing Hunting by Hot Air Balloon

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a new law allowing hunters to pursue and pick off wild pigs and coyotes from hot air balloons.

The legislation was inked despite the objection of a state lawmaker who said the practice may lead to "future catastrophes."

Abbott OK'd the law amidst concern over the Lone Star State's growing feral hog population, which numbers more than 2 million and destroys crops, pastures and waterways, The Texas Tribune reports.

But state Rep. John Cyrier, who like Abbott is a Republican, believes the law could lead to tragedy because it "creates a false sense of safety" concerning hot air balloons, according to The Tribune, which obtained a letter he wrote to the governor.

A year ago, 16 people died when their hot air balloon blew into a power line, then crashed in a field in Cyrier's hometown of Lockhart.

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