New campaign urges British Columbians to report invasive pigs

Photo: The Canadian Press In this Feb. 18, 2009 file photo, feral pigs roam near a Mertzon, Texas ranch. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

British Columbia's Invasive Species Council is warning about the potential threat of invasive pigs in the province. These animals can cause significant damage to ecosystems, farmland, and infrastructure, as well as spread diseases.

A new campaign is urging British Columbians to report any feral pigs they come across. The campaign showcases pigs in unusual places like grocery stores and kitchen cupboards, emphasizing the need for action if spotted in real life.

Reports indicate that feral pigs have been sighted in various regions of British Columbia, although large populations have not yet been established. Many of these pigs are believed to have escaped or been released from farms.

Gail Wallin, the executive director of the Invasive Species Council of B.C., stresses the importance of early reporting to prevent the kind of damage seen in other provinces. The campaign aims to raise awareness and highlight the significance of public observations.

Wild boars not raised as livestock are considered invasive in Alberta and are regulated as an agricultural pest. The Alberta government warns that these pigs can disrupt wildlife and damage natural habitats.

While there are no Canadian estimates, the United States experiences an estimated $1.5 billion in agricultural damage each year due to wild boars.

According to the source: Castanet.