You may not expect Eurasian wild boars to be causing problems in Manitoba but that's exactly what's been happening for several years now.
Wild pigs are a growing issue in the province and pose a significant threat to both the environment and local agriculture. Dr. Wayne Lees is the project coordinator for squeal on pigs in Manitoba and is working to control the problem. Lees explained that these animals were introduced in the 1980s and some escaped over the years. Those animals have since reproduced and pockets of the boars have created concern. Lees tells us why.
“These wild pigs are a threat to animal health, human safety, and the environment. The pigs are known for rooting through pastures, destroying habitats, and threatening ground-nesting birds. They also pose a risk to livestock by potentially spreading diseases like African swine fever to commercial herds."
Sightings of wild pigs have been reported throughout Manitoba and this includes just north and east of Portage la Prairie. The Spruce Woods region and areas around Brandon have also been an area of concern. In order to track and manage the population, Lees says they rely on reports from the public.
“We encourage people to report sightings either through our website, squealonpigsmb.org, or by calling the toll-free line at 1-833-SPOT-PIG. We’re using science and technology, like drone surveillance and water sampling, to help identify where these pigs are, but public reports remain vital. A good sign to look for is what we call rooting. It looks like somebody has taken a rototiller through your pasture. That's pretty typical of wild pig behavior because they're looking for grubs and insects in the soil and in the pasture, so they do a lot of damage that way, but they also are a threat to ground nesting birds."
While wild pigs usually avoid humans, Lees warns people to be cautious, especially if they encounter a protective sow with her piglets. The sows have been known to charge but these types of interactions have been extremely rare. Signs of their activity is much more common.
Wild pigs have been connected to 89 different diseases and activity has been found in the bushes, trails where the temperature is cooler in the summer, beaches, and near farm crops and other plant materials.