Canada’s wild pig problem could become a U.S. problem, too

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Wild pigs are smart, adaptable, and multiply quickly. They also have the potential to wipe out entire species of animals or plants in an area before moving on and doing the same somewhere else. Wild pigs cause losses for livestock and grain farmers alike, and, perhaps most concerning, pose a real threat to any ecosystem they inhabit.

Aaron Sumrall, director of outreach, education and research with the Pig Brig, says that wild pigs have adapted well to North America’s conditions, and he and others in the U.S., are concerned about the very real possibility of wild pigs adapted to Canadian conditions moving south to the U.S.

That’s particularly troublesome, Sumrall explains, because wild pigs adapted to colder weather are likely to be even more successful in more temperate regions.

Wild pigs have already been confirmed in many states and some Canadian provinces, but their exact numbers are not known. Sumrall says that reporting sightings and recording locations is a key step to eliminating this pest species. (More below)

The Canadian Squeal on Pigs campaign is one that Sumrall hopes Canadian farmers will make use of in helping identify and track these invasive pests. Check out this website for details on how to report sightings and for handy tips on what NOT to do if you see these wild animals.

Screen capture of the Squeal on Pigs Manitoba website (Source: https://squealonpigsmb.org)

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