And then one day you come across this
Elusive and often nocturnal, the first sign of feral pigs might be damaged pastures or crops.
Photo: Alberta Invasive Species Council
Or this
In the U.S., wild pigs cause $2.5 billion in crop damage annually, says leading Canadian expert Ryan Brook.
Photo: Alberta Invasive Species Council
They’re growing in numbers
Feral pigs are “expanding completely out of control” on the Prairies, says Brook, a University of Saskatchewan animal sciences professor.
Photo: Canadian Wild Pig Research Project
What are the signs of feral pigs?
Pigs have rounded toes. (Deer tracks are typically heart- or spade-shaped.)
Photo: Alberta Invasive Species Council
What are the signs of feral pigs?
Their coarse hair can get snagged on fencing or trees they rub up against.
Photo: Alberta Invasive Species Council
What are the signs of feral pigs?
You might find farrowing nests in secluded spots.
Photo: alberta.ca
What are the signs of feral pigs?
Because they have no sweat glands, feral pigs create wallows for cooling themselves.
Photo: Alberta Invasive Species Council
What to do when you spot them?
Grab a camera, not your gun. Shooting individuals causes survivors to scatter and establish new groups (called sounders).
Photo: Alberta Invasive Species Council
What to do when you spot them?
Report the sighting and location (and send a photo if you managed to get one) by emailing [email protected]. Or call 310-3276 (FARM).
Photo: Canadian Wild Pig Research Project
Find out more
Go to abinvasives.ca and click on the Take Action tab for the 'Squeal on Pigs’ webpage.
Photo: abinvasives.ca
Feral pigs are spreading across Alberta. What are the signs of their presence? What should you do if you spot tracks or if you suspect they’re in your area? Find out here.
