A nearby community is on alert after sightings of wild boars were reported to town officials.
On May 24, the Town of Lamont issued a notice alerting residents of the sighting. According to the town's chief administrative officer, Rick Bastow, the sightings have been inconclusive so far, but the town is taking them seriously.
"To date, there have been no confirmed sightings of wild boars in the town. An advisory was shared as a precaution to ensure public safety. The town will continue to monitor the situation and, if needed, work with the province to address it," said Bastow.
The wild boar discussion has intensified in the area in recent times. In October 2021, wild boars were spotted in Elk Island National Park. Park officials at the time confirmed at least one sounder (a herd of feral hogs) periodically visits the park. This was backed up by physical evidence of rooting in the park.
In April, Alberta's government introduced a bounty program in an effort to combat the destructive pest. Government-approved trappers can be compensated $75 per set of ears per sounder, encouraging the elimination of entire sounders. Landowners who work with approved trappers are eligible for $75 per set of ears.
For hunters, those who turn in wild boar ears will receive $75 per set. Both programs will be run through participating municipalities listed on the government website.
Wild boars are not native to Alberta and are considered Canada's most prolific invasive mammal. Introduced in the 80s and 90s, the boars were intended for meat or hunting farms where people could hunt them in an enclosed area.
Edmonton's surrounding regions are a hotspot for the boars, with sightings of the animals reported throughout Sturgeon County, Lamont County and Strathcona County.
