Alberta Implements Tough Restrictions on Wild Boar Management

The Alberta government has declared wild boars “a pest in all circumstances,” effective December 1, 2023. This new classification imposes significant restrictions on the keeping and hunting of these animals, which have been identified as a growing threat to agriculture and the environment.

Under the new regulations, it is illegal to keep, buy, sell, obtain, or transport wild boars in Alberta without a permit. This also prohibits the establishment of any new wild boar farms within the province. The hunting and trapping of wild boars is banned, with exceptions only for landowners or occupants who may kill these animals on their property. Anyone who kills a wild boar must report the date, location, and number of animals killed to provincial authorities as soon as possible.

According to Hannah McKenzie, a wild boar specialist with the province, these changes are necessary due to 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. The financial implications for the pork industry and related livestock sectors could be substantial.

The term “wild boar” encompasses the Eurasian wild pig and hybrids of that species with domestic swine. Introduced to the Canadian Prairies in the late 20th century for livestock purposes, some of these animals have since established feral populations, predominantly in the Prairie provinces. McKenzie noted that as wild boar populations expand, other jurisdictions have already implemented changes to their management strategies to mitigate disease and trade risks.

Alberta is currently working with 12 existing wild boar farms, which have the option to either maintain their operations under stricter conditions or receive compensation from the province to exit the industry. The government is offering $590 per boar, along with compensation for fencing, with the overall program estimated to cost approximately $2.6 million. The provincial budget for wild boar management this year was set at $3 million.

The implications of these new regulations have created a challenging environment for the pork industry. Charlotte Shipp, programs manager for Alberta Pork, described the situation as a “challenging issue” for the organization. “Wild boar producers are also producers for Alberta Pork, too, so it’s a difficult position to be in,” she explained. Shipp emphasized that tightening restrictions around wild boar farming, particularly concerning disease prevention, represents progress.

The threat posed by African swine fever, although harmless to humans, can devastate pig populations. Recently, an outbreak of this disease among wild boars was reported in Spain, a major pork producer within the European Union.

Tracking wild boar populations in Alberta has proven difficult. McKenzie highlighted that traditional survey methods, such as aerial surveys, are less effective due to the animals’ nocturnal habits and preference for dense forested areas. Ryan Brook, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan who studies Canada’s invasive wild boars, has long advocated for stricter management regulations. “They’re really incredibly destructive,” he remarked, noting that wild boars disrupt the environment through their rooting behavior.

The recent bans on sport hunting wild boars might seem counterintuitive, but Brook argued that hunting has not effectively reduced their populations. He explained that hunting often does not eliminate entire groups, instead scattering them and complicating control efforts. Additionally, wild boars reproduce quickly, averaging two litters of six piglets per year.

Overall, the Alberta government’s new measures mark a significant shift in managing the growing wild boar populations. As the situation evolves, stakeholders within the province will need to navigate the complexities of agricultural integrity and ecological preservation.