Problem Wildlife

Wild boar are considered an invasive species and are a provincially regulated agricultural pest when at large. They are a risk to the environment and the economy as they can damage property, agricultural crops, pastures, and the environment. They are also a major risk to animals due to potential disease transfer, and they are known to be aggressive towards people. 

Background 

Wild boar were introduced to Alberta as a way to diversify agriculture in the 1980s and ‘90s. Over the years, many escaped their enclosures and thrived as a feral species. After recognizing the damage these wild boar were causing to crops and livestock, the province initiated a bounty program where hunters could exchange wild boar ears for $50. This program was soon found to be ineffective because the wild boar learned to evade hunting efforts by scattering, shifting their movement patterns, and becoming nocturnal. The only way to eliminate wild boar at large is to eliminate the entire sounder at once. 

Today, awareness and prompt reporting of wild boar remains the most effective way to keep wild boar at bay.  

In Alberta, you are more likely to see signs of wild boar than wild boar themselves. Some signs to look out for include: 

Photos from the Government of Alberta - Signs of wild boar activity | Alberta.ca 

If you see wild boar or evidence of wild boar activity, take a picture, note the location, and fill out the provincial online reporting form: 

(Report a Wild Boar Sighting button that links to: Report wild boar | Alberta.ca) 

You can also email wildboar@gov.ab.ca, call 310-FARM, or contact the County’s Problem Wildlife Officers.

Squeal on Pigs! Campaign 

The Alberta Invasive Species Council has initiated a Squeal on Pigs! Campaign to help raise awareness for wild boar in our province. Learn more here.