Wild Boar At Large An invasive pest in Alberta
Are wild boar native to Alberta? Why are we Wild boar are not native to Alberta. They concerned came to the province in the 1980s and '90s as livestock. Over the years, some animals about wild boar escaped, and have established several in Alberta? feral/wild populations. How do they survive in the winter? Wild boar are farmed in Alberta as Wild boar are very adaptable. The wild boar livestock. However, when they are not in Alberta are typically the Eurasian type being raised as livestock on a farm, and have long dark hair and a woolly they are considered to be “at large” underfur that protects them from extreme and are an invasive pest that can: cold. They build nests where they shelter Damage property, agricultural crops, during cold weather and are able to travel pastures and the environment, including in deep snow to access food sources. through rooting (digging); In what kind of habitat are they Endanger people and animals; found? Harass livestock and consume their feed, Wild boar prefer habitats that provide forest prey on young livestock and wildlife; cover for hiding and resting, as well as access to food. During the summer months Spread diseases that could be they can be found close to water sources transmitted to wildlife, livestock, pets and where they can wallow to stay cool. people; Alter the ecosystem, including through What do they eat? wallowing (rolling around), that can Wild boar will eat just about any organic contaminate water supplies, promote matter. They are omnivores, which means erosion, and destroy fish habitat; they will eat plants, insects, and other 310-FARM (3276) animals. They have a “cartilaginous disc” agriculture.alberta.ca/ Compete with wildlife and destroy other on their snouts, which helps them to dig wildboar sensitive natural habitats; and and root extensively in search of insects January 2017 Consume the eggs of ground-nesting and roots. They can use their very sharp birds. tusks for rooting, as well as protection. This item has been replaced by a more current resource and is provided for research purposes only. Wild Boar At Large: An invasive pest in Alberta only.
Can I hunt wild boar? purposes What should I do People who want to help remove pests if I have wild boar from property are allowed to do so, and there is no licence, season, or limits for wild on my land? boar at-large. Be aware that general laws research If Albertans have wild boar at-large on around firearms and trespassing apply and their land, they should call 310-FARM must be followed. Contact your local police for (3276). Provincial government staff will or Fish and Wildlife Office for more collect the information and work with information. the landowner and the municipality to help find a solution. provided Did you know? is What are signs of wild boar Non-professional hunting of wild boar at-large to watch for? at-large can actually make it harder for and Signs of boar activity include: organized control efforts. Boar are very Tracks in the snow or mud, or trails of smart! Hunting can make them learn groups (“sounders”) of boar quickly to avoid humans, and this can make the problems worse. Signs of boar digging or rolling around resource (rooting and wallowing) Signs of boar eating your livestock feed What are the regulations for wild Boar droppings boar in Alberta?
current In 2014, Agriculture and Forestry's Wild BoarMinimum Containment Standards were enacted for farmed wild boar. These more enhanced fencing requirements were put in a place to help prevent boar from escaping
by and becoming pests at-large. When wild boar are in captivity, they are considered To report wild boar livestock as long as the farmer meets the at-large or for more fencing standards. information, please call
replaced Wild boar at-large are a pest under 310-FARM (3276) provincial law, through the Pest and toll-free in Alberta. agriculture.alberta.ca/ Nuisance Control Regulation. Under the been wildboar Agricultural Pests Act, landowners are required to control or destroy them and has January 2017 prevent them from becoming established on their land. item This