The pigs have flown.

After some broke free, up to 200 pigs are in the process of being collected, medicated and transported from a Monticello "hoarding" situation by Animal Allies of Florida's Avalon Mini Pigs.

But they need help, said coordinator Christal Ellard.

"It's a mess. Some of the pigs have escaped into the woods," Ellard said. "Babies are coming every day... Pigs are more fertile than rabbits."

How did the pigs and piglets get out of control?

"It was a person with the best intentions that went to hell in a handbasket," Ellard said, adding the American Mini Pig Association contacted Avalon Mini Pigs after the pigs' owner reached out on social media for help.

Animal encounters in the news

The animals are on a wooded property in Monticello and can't be chased as they are quite strong, she warns. They can range from 10 to 30 inches tall and need to be collected gently.

Ellard says anyone interested in volunteering to help collect the pigs can find the Avalon Mini Pigs page on Facebook.

The pigs are largely healthy, but many are thin from not being fed enough. The organization is also looking for pig feed donations. Purchases can be made at Tractor Supply in Monticello for Avalon Mini Pigs to pick up.

"By showing these hoarding situations for what they are," Ellard said, "we can reinforce the idea for how important spay-and-neuter are for these creatures."

Ellard said Florida has something of a wild pig problem.

"Florida is No. 2 in the nation for feral hogs."

Reach Nada Hassanein nhassanein@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @nhassanein_.