Alberta Declares Wild Boars a Pest, Enacts Strict New Rules

The Alberta government has classified wild boars as “a pest in all circumstances,” introducing significant restrictions on their management effective December 1, 2023. This declaration makes it illegal to keep, buy, sell, or transport wild boars in the province without a permit, effectively halting the establishment of new wild boar farms. The government has also banned the hunting and trapping of these animals, with the exception of landowners who may kill them on their own property.

Hannah McKenzie, Alberta’s wild boar specialist, emphasized that these measures are aimed at addressing the dangers posed by existing wild boar populations and the risks associated with potential escapes from captivity. “In addition to damaging agriculture and the environment, wild boar pose a serious risk for the introduction and spread of foreign animal diseases, including African swine fever and foot and mouth disease,” McKenzie stated. She noted that such diseases could have a significant financial impact on the pork industry and broader livestock sector, as well as on trade relationships.

The term “wild boar” generally refers to the Eurasian wild pig and hybrids resulting from crossbreeding with domestic swine. These animals were introduced to the Prairies in the late 20th century for livestock farming, leading to feral populations emerging across Canada, particularly in the Prairie provinces. McKenzie remarked, “As they spread and become a greater threat, we’ve seen other provinces and jurisdictions make changes to their wild boar management to combat disease and trade risks.”

The situation in Alberta mirrors challenges faced by other regions. For instance, Ontario is on the verge of a provincial ban on Eurasian wild boars, which has prompted pork producers like Hans Lindenmann to reconsider their businesses. With wild boars constituting half of his operations, he expressed uncertainty about the future.

Within Alberta, the government is collaborating with 12 existing wild boar farms, providing options for stricter management conditions or financial compensation for those wishing to exit the industry. The province is offering $590 per boar, along with additional compensation for fencing adjustments. The total cost of this program is projected to reach $2.6 million, with an overall budget of $3 million allocated for wild boar management in the current fiscal year.

Charlotte Shipp, programs manager for Alberta Pork, acknowledged the complexity of the new regulations. “Wild boar producers are also producers for Alberta Pork, too, so it’s a difficult position to be in,” she explained. She further stated that the tightening of restrictions aims to prevent escapes and mitigate the potential spread of diseases like African swine fever, while also supporting producers to remain viable in rural communities.

African swine fever, while harmless to humans, can devastate pig populations. Recent reports indicated an outbreak of the disease among wild boars in Spain, highlighting the urgent need for effective management strategies.

Tracking wild boar populations in Alberta poses significant challenges. McKenzie noted, “They’re very difficult to survey,” as traditional methods, such as aerial surveys, are less effective due to the nocturnal behavior of the animals and their preference for dense forests. Ryan Brook, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan and a long-time advocate for stricter regulations, described wild boars as “incredibly destructive.” He explained that unlike native wildlife, wild boars root up the ground, causing severe environmental damage.

Brook pointed out that banning sport hunting, while seemingly counterintuitive, aligns with the goal of population control. He explained that hunting has not proven effective in significantly reducing wild boar numbers. “Unfortunately, not only does hunting not eliminate them fast enough, it also breaks up groups and spreads them around the landscape,” he noted, adding that wild boars can reproduce frequently, averaging two litters of six piglets each year.

Alberta’s new restrictions reflect a growing recognition of the ecological and economic threats posed by wild boars, positioning the province to take a more proactive approach in managing this invasive species.