Any wild boar sightings in Alberta should be reported to the authorities as soon as possible. You can report wild boar sightings through EDDMapS, by calling 310-3276 (FARM) or filling out the online Report Wild Boar form on the Government of Alberta website.

Feral pigs (which are also known as wild boar at large) are one of the most damaging invasive species in North America. Wild boar are now a major concern here in Alberta. The threat to Alberta’s multi-million dollar pork industry cannot be overlooked. The growing population of wild boar in the province can act as a vector in the spread of disease that will threaten commercial swine populations and access to international markets for export. Wild Boar are also a threat to erode our natural areas in Alberta. That’s why it's so important to be aware of the risks, and understand what can be done to limit the growth of Wild Boar herds in Alberta while safeguarding the Pork industry and human health as well our environment.

Wild Boar Have Been in Alberta Since the 1970s

Wild boar are found throughout the world, but they are not native to Alberta. They were introduced to the province in the 1970s and have since established populations in various parts of the province of Alberta.

Wild boar are becoming increasingly common in Alberta, and they are proving to be a nuisance to farmers and landowners. These animals are prolific breeders, and a single wild boar can produce up to 12 piglets per year. As the population continues to grow, it's important to be aware of the dangers these animals pose and take steps to avoid encounters.

As wild boar become an increasingly more common sight in Alberta, it's important to know what to do if you encounter one.

The Dangers of Wild Boar in Alberta

Wild boar can be dangerous to both people and the environment. They are known for their destructive feeding habits, which can damage ecosystems and agricultural land. They can also spread diseases to people and other animals.

Wild boar are known to carry a variety of parasites, viruses, and diseases, including African Swine Fever, Hepatitis E virus, brucellosis and tuberculosis. These health related issues can be transmitted to domestic livestock, wildlife, and even humans. If introduced to domestic swine herds, it would have a detrimental effect on pig production and result in severe financial losses to the pork industry in Alberta.  

Wild boar are a serious threat to public safety and must be treated with caution. It is important to remember that wild boar are wild animals and should not be approached. Be aware of the risks associated with wild boar and take steps to protect yourself and your family from potential exposure to disease. If you see a wild boar, keep your distance and report any sightings.

The Signs of Wild Boar in Alberta

Wild boar can be difficult to spot, but there are some signs that can indicate wild boar presence.

One of the most obvious signs of wild boar is damage to vegetation and crops, which they use to feed on. They can also leave behind footprints and droppings, which look like large, dark pellets.

Wild boar often build nests in dense vegetation to give birth and care for their young. They will also wallow in mud to protect their skin from the sun and insects, the sun, and keep themselves cool.

If you hear grunting or squealing, it's likely that you're near a wild boar. They make these sounds when they're angry or afraid.

It's important to be aware of these signs and take precautions if you encounter a wild boar. Remember to keep your distance and never approach these animals.

Managing and Reporting Wild Boar

It is important to be aware of wild boar presence in Alberta. With their destructive feeding habits and potential to spread disease, wild boar can be a serious threat to public safety.

Wild Boar Hunting in Alberta

Many people believe that hunting wild boar can help to control their population, but this is not the case. Initial control efforts in the form of a bounty program were implemented, and hunters could turn in wild boar at large ears in exchange for $50. These hunting efforts were later deemed ineffective.

Hunting wild boar can actually have the opposite effect and can lead to an increase in their population.

Wild boar are very fertile animals and can produce up to 4-6 piglets per litter and two litters per year. When a wild boar is killed, its territory is usually taken over by other boar, leading to an increase in their population.

Hunting wild boar can also lead to changes in their behaviour. When they are constantly hunted, wild boar become more secretive and harder to catch. This can lead to an increase in the number of wild boar that are hit by cars or killed by other means.

Wild boar are a serious threat to public safety and must be treated with caution. It is important to remember that wild boar are wild animals and should not be approached. It is important to report any sightings of wild boar in Alberta.

Biosecurity - Keeping Alberta Pork Free from Disease

Controlling diseases associated with wild boar infiltration is very important to ensure the protection of animal and human health, as well as ensure Alberta’s pork industry remains strong and vibrant. Biosecurity measures and precaution should be taken when it comes to pork operations in Alberta.  Both the Government of Alberta, and the Government of Canada have provided excellent resources in order to not only understand the importance of biosecurity but also implementing easy-to-follow plans created to reduce the incidences of swine related disease in Alberta. 

Squeal on Pigs!

Squeal on Pigs! is a new program to Alberta that was created to raise awareness about wild boars. The program was originally developed by the States of Oregon, Washington and Idaho to encourage the public to report observations of wild boar at large. The Alberta Invasive Species Council is grateful to these organizations, for allowing us to adapt, adopt and promote the ‘Squeal on Pigs!’ Campaign to raise awareness of this issue in Alberta.to help manage the wild boar population in Alberta. The program is a voluntary reporting program that asks people to report any wild boar sightings.

The Wild Boar At Large Eradication Project was introduced by the Alberta Government in 2017 and was implemented to help manage the wild boar population in Alberta. The goal of the project is to reduce the number of wild boar that are running wild in the province.

The project has two key steps:

1. The project working group suggested a two-step process transitioning from planning to active eradication.

   The planning step would focus on performing more research and surveillance while educating landowners on the importance of reporting wild boar sightings and participation in eradication efforts.

2. Eradication efforts would coordinate surveillance, trapping and hunting efforts between land owners and municipal and provincial staff. Initially, efforts will be focused on two counties - Lac Ste Anne and Woodlands, with the intent of building and transitioning expertise to other hotspots for wild boar-at-large within the province.

Other counties reporting wild boar-at-large issues (either by direct reports or evidenced by data from the Wild Boar Ear Bounty Program) will be targeted in subsequent years to the first two counties.

If You See a Wild Boar in Alberta, Report It

Any wild boar sightings in Alberta should be reported to the authorities as soon as possible. You can report wild boar sightings through EDDMapS, by calling 310-3276 (FARM) or filling out the online Report Wild Boar form on the Government of Alberta website. You can also email [email protected] or contact your local municipality.

Reporting wild boar is important because it helps to keep track of their population and helps to prevent any potential injuries or damage. Remember, wild boar are wild animals and should be treated with caution.

Additional Reading/Sources

CWHC-RCSF :: Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Réseau canadien pour la santé de la faune