Canada’s Invasive Wild Pig Strategy defines a wild pig as any animal of the species Sus scrofa that is not contained or under the physical control of any person or is otherwise roaming freely. This includes a pig of any type (domesticated pigs, Eurasian wild boar, and hybrids) that has escaped, been released from containment, or is no longer on the owner’s property and is free roaming. It includes any pigs that were born in the wild. Wild pigs are also known as invasive wild pigs, feral swine, feral hogs, feral pigs, wild hogs, wild boar and wild boar at large.
Wild pigs cause significant damage and destruction to ecosystems, disrupt crops and native vegetation and can carry diseases that are infectious to people, wildlife, and domestic animals. Some of the diseases that wild pigs can carry could disrupt Canada’s export-driven livestock industry. The regulatory framework within each province or territory is unique for wild pigs, pigs at large, wild boar farming, wild boar hunting, as are the agencies and control program that have authority to address wild pigs.
Prevention, management, and removal of wild pigs requires collaboration to eliminate their impacts on ecological, agricultural, cultural and social assets.
The 2023 Canadian Invasive Wild Pig Report shows locations of wild pigs and where field activities are focused. Localized established populations of wild pigs currently exist in three provinces. The map will be refreshed regularly to support the prevention, management and removal of wild pigs. The vision for Canada’s Invasive Wild Pig Strategy is eradication of invasive wild pigs in order to eliminate their ecological, agricultural, cultural and economic impacts.
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If you wish to learn more about invasive wild pigs in Canada and the impact they have on agriculture, ecosystems, cultural resources, and the economy, visit the Wild Pigs Canada website.