Key Takeaways:
- The Alberta government has declared wild boars as "a pest in all circumstances" and implemented new restrictions on keeping them in captivity and hunting them in the wild.
- It is now illegal to keep, buy, sell, obtain, or transport wild boars in Alberta without a permit, and new wild boar farms are no longer permitted in the province.
- The hunting and trapping of wild boars in Alberta is banned, except for landowners or occupants killing the animals on their own land, and anyone who kills a wild boar must report the incident to the province.
- The changes aim to mitigate the risks associated with wild boar populations, including the introduction and spread of foreign animal diseases, such as African swine fever and foot and mouth disease.
- The province is offering compensation to wild boar farmers to exit the industry, with an estimated cost of $2.6 million.
Introduction to Wild Boar Regulations
The Alberta government has taken a significant step in managing the wild boar population in the province by declaring them "a pest in all circumstances" effective December 1. This declaration has led to new restrictions on keeping wild boars in captivity and hunting them in the wild. The government’s decision aims to mitigate the risks associated with wild boar populations, including the introduction and spread of foreign animal diseases, such as African swine fever and foot and mouth disease. According to Hannah McKenzie, the province’s wild boar specialist, the changes were necessary due to the dangers posed by existing wild boar populations and the risks associated with more escaping from captivity.
Risks Associated with Wild Boars
Wild boars, also known as Eurasian wild pigs or hybrids between that animal and domestic swine, were introduced to the Prairies in the late 20th century as livestock. However, some of these animals were able to establish feral populations across Canada, predominantly in the Prairie provinces. The spread of wild boars has led to concerns about the introduction and spread of foreign animal diseases, which could have a significant financial impact on the pork industry and trade relationships. McKenzie emphasized that wild boars pose a serious risk to agriculture and the environment, and their presence could lead to the introduction of diseases such as African swine fever and foot and mouth disease.
New Regulations and Restrictions
The new regulations prohibit the keeping, buying, selling, obtaining, or transporting of wild boars in Alberta without a permit. Additionally, new wild boar farms are no longer permitted in the province. The hunting and trapping of wild boars in Alberta are also banned, except for landowners or occupants killing the animals on their own land. Anyone who kills a wild boar is required to report the date, location, and number of boars killed to the province as soon as possible. These restrictions aim to prevent the further spread of wild boars and reduce the risk of disease introduction.
Impact on the Pork Industry
The new regulations have significant implications for the pork industry in Alberta. Charlotte Shipp, Alberta Pork industry programs manager, acknowledged that the regulations are a "challenging issue" for the organization. Wild boar producers are also members of Alberta Pork, and the regulations may affect their livelihoods. However, Shipp believes that tightening restrictions around wild boar farming and offering exit incentives are steps in the right direction. The government’s decision to offer compensation to wild boar farmers to exit the industry is estimated to cost around $2.6 million.
Challenges in Controlling Wild Boar Populations
Controlling wild boar populations is a complex task due to their elusive nature and ability to thrive in a variety of environments. According to McKenzie, traditional survey methods, such as aerial surveys, are not effective in tracking wild boar populations. Ryan Brook, a University of Saskatchewan professor who studies Canada’s invasive wild boars, agrees that wild boars are "incredibly destructive" and can cause significant environmental damage. Brook has been a long-time proponent of stricter regulations around wild boar management and believes that the new regulations are a step in the right direction.
Banning Sport Hunting
The ban on sport hunting wild boars may seem counterintuitive, but Brook argues that it is necessary to prevent the further spread of the species. Sport hunting has not been effective in reducing wild boar populations, and it can actually contribute to the spread of the species by breaking up groups and dispersing them across the landscape. Brook believes that the ban on sport hunting is a crucial step in managing wild boar populations and preventing the introduction of diseases. The province’s decision to ban sport hunting is a significant step towards mitigating the risks associated with wild boar populations and protecting the environment and agriculture.
