Invasive Species | Terrestrial Wildlife and Pathogens
Wild Pigs
Photo: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Wild Pigs
(Sus scrofa)
French common name: Les porcs ou cochons sauvages
Wild pigs is a term referring to wild domestic pigs, escaped wild boar, and their hybrids that have overtaken parts of Canada’s prairie provinces and multiple American states. Reproducing very quickly with 2 litters of 4-10 piglets a year, populations of Wild Pigs are quickly becoming out of control across Canada.
Problem:
Wild Pigs are not native to the Americas, and can have severe impacts on sensitive environments by trampling plants and disturbing soil, which can allow for more invasive species to establish. This invasive species can reproduce rapidly and adapt to many different types of environments, allowing them to outcompete native species for food and habitat. Wild Pigs can also damage agricultural land and resources, and are costly to control.
Species identification:
Wild Pig refers to a pig “outside of the fence”, and can include feral domestic pigs, Eurasian wild boar, and hybrids created between these species. There may be many different colour variations of wild pigs, from very dark to a light brown and may have spots.
How it’s spread:
Wild Pigs are not native to New Brunswick or the America and are originally from Europe and Asia, with Eurasian wild boar being introduced in the 1980’s as a meat source. Due to improper management, these wild pigs have escaped into the wild and have adapted to our cold winter climates.