Wild Boar continues to be an issue in the province.
Alberta Agriculture & Forestry (AF) continues to try to eradicate this pest.
According to Perry Abramenko, an inspection officer with AF, wild boar is not even native to Alberta.
“They came to the province in the 1980s and ‘90s as livestock,” Abramenko said in a news release. “Over the years, some animals escaped, and have established several feral/wild populations.”
Wild Boar roaming in Alberta. (Photo/Alberta Agriculture & Forestry)
He says that the main problem with wild boar is environmental damage.
“When they’re feeding, they like to do lots of rooting to the extent that a lawn or pasture can look like a rototiller’s been going through it,” Abramenko continued. “They will also contaminate wate sources and carry diseases that can transfer to animals and humans. As well, they can also cause lots of damage to crops, especially cereals and hay bales.”
There has been a bounty program for wild boar in Alberta since 2008, which has municipalities pay out $50 for a set to ears as proof a boar’s been removed.
“But over the years, the return from the program has declined significantly,” said Abramenko. “These animals are very intelligent. Once a herd is attuned to human activity, they are very hard to hunt or trap.
“The current bounty program for participating municipalities has been extended to June 30,” he continued. “After that, consultation with stakeholders will determine if the program will continue or change to align with eradication efforts.”
For more information on wild boar sightings, call the Ag-Info Centre at 310-FARM (3276), or head to www.agriculture.alberta.ca/wildboar.
– Posted by BET
