When it comes to invasive species, few cause as much debate as wild boar. Intelligent and elusive, for some they represent an exciting hunt and source of lean meat with a flavour that rivals any domestic cut. For others they are an “ecological train wreck” capable of destroying habitat through aggressive rooting and spreading disease to wildlife and humans alike.

Crossing the fence: from livestock to invasive species

Wild boar were introduced in Alberta in the 1970s and 1980s as a diversified livestock animal. Over the years, they escaped or were released from farms and established populations of invasive wild boar in parts of the province. Invasive species are non-native species that cause harm in their new environment. Wild boar made the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s list of “100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species,” alongside other well-known invaders of concern in Alberta including zebra and quagga mussels, and rats. 

Wild boar reproduce at a speed that outpaces our native ungulates, with sows (females) becoming sexually mature at 5–12 months old. Sows are able to have multiple litters a year, with an average of six piglets per litter. Wild boar are highly adaptable and the parkland and mixed wood natural regions—particularly near agriculture—provide the right mix of shelter, food, and water for them to thrive. While harsh winters and predation by wolves may limit population growth, further research is needed to understand the full extent.

Ecosystem engineers

Wild boar use their powerful snouts and tusks to overturn soil in search of roots, bulbs, and insects. Rooting destroys the native plants and strips away protective vegetation and leaf litter, leaving the ground bare and susceptible to soil erosion and invasive plants. Wild boar wallow in mud and shallow water to cool off and protect their skin from insects and sun—contaminating water sources and eroding stream banks—which destroys sensitive spawning habitat. In addition to damaging habitat, they compete with and eat many of our smaller native species, as well as the young of larger animals.

Spreaders of disease

Wild boar can host over 39 different diseases including African Swine Fever (ASF), foot and mouth disease, pseudorabies, bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis, and influenza. Many of these diseases are of concern for wildlife and humans. While ASF is a virus affecting only swine, a detection in Alberta would lead to the immediate closure of Canada’s pork export markets—accounting for 70 percent of the pork we produce. Alberta’s pork industry, which adds $1.6 billion to Alberta’s Gross Domestic Product and over 19,000 jobs on farms and in processing, would be devastated. Unlike domestic livestock that are contained and whose health is closely monitored, wild boar move freely across the landscape, able to transmit disease and contaminate habitats.

Why hunting isn’t the answer

Recreational hunting works for some species, but not wild boar. They are intelligent, have excellent memories, and live in matriarchal family groups called sounders. When only some members are removed, survivors adapt—becoming nocturnal, moving to new areas, and avoiding bait, traps, and human presence. With their rapid reproduction, populations quickly rebound from just a few individuals.

Whole-sounder trapping is the accepted best practice and the approach the government is using here in Alberta. Entire sounders are lured into large corral-style traps monitored via real-time video, and gates are dropped only when all animals are inside. This ensures no “educated” survivors are left. Captured boar are humanely euthanized and sent to Alberta Agriculture’s Animal Health Lab for disease testing.

Squeal on Pigs!

Hunters, anglers, and conservationists are the eyes and ears on the landscape. You can help by learning to identify wild boar and their signs, and “squealing on pigs!”

Report wild boar sightings or signs by calling 310-FARM, emailing [email protected], online at www.alberta.ca/wildboar, or through the free EDDMapS app. The Wild Boar Control Program follows up on all reports, collaborating with landowners and managers to respond effectively.

While the thrill of a wild boar hunt may be tempting, the risks are too high. By working together to report and eradicate this invader, Albertans can protect native fish, wildlife, and habitats for generations.

Learn more at www.abinvasives.ca/squeal-on-pigs, www.alberta.ca/wildboar, or www.wildpigs.ca.

Photo credit (top): Alberta Invasive Species Council