Working Together to Stop the Spread of Invasive Wild Pigs

Invasive wild pigs are one of the most destructive invasive species on the planet.

They threaten agriculture, ecosystems, cultural resources, and the economy in Canada. This site brings together resources and information to support efforts to identify, report, and remove invasive wild pigs from the landscape.

Invasive wild pig standing in the mud
Invasive wild pigs in a forest photo

Who We Are & What We’re Doing

Canada’s Invasive Wild Pig Leadership Team was formed in 2023 to help implement Canada’s Invasive Wild Pig Strategy 2022–2032. This national group supports the coordination of reporting, prevention, control, and eradication of wild pigs in Canada.

  • Coordinating cross-regional efforts
  • Tracking sightings and population data
  • Raising awareness and sharing best practices
  • Supporting local eradication programs

Spot and Report Wild Pigs

Any pig that is not contained, not under someone’s control, or roaming freely on the landscape can be considered an invasive wild pig. This includes Eurasian wild boar, escaped pets and farm pigs, or hybrids of Eurasian wild boar and domestic pigs.

What to look for:

  • Pigs of any size, colour, or breed outside a fence or enclosure
  • Turned up earth and muddy wallows in lawns, farm fields, and pastures
  • Deer-like tracks with more rounded toes
  • Rubbing marks on trees or fence posts

Use our regional guide to report sightings in your area.

Invasive wild pig nursing piglets

Why Invasive Wild Pigs Are a Serious Threat

Wild pigs are smart, adaptable, and reproduce quickly. Left unchecked, they cause serious ecological, cultural, and economic harm.

Wild domestic pig

Ecological Damage

  • Damage native plants and wetland habitat
  • Prey on birds, amphibians, and small mammals
  • Compete with wildlife for food and space
Invasive wild pigs in a corn field

Agricultural & Economic Costs

  • Cause major losses to Canadian farmers through crop destruction, pasture damage, and livestock predation
  • Increase costs for fencing, surveillance, and recovery
  • Risk massive trade losses if diseases like African swine fever reach domestic herds
Inspector at a pig farm

Health & Disease Risks

  • Spread diseases like African swine fever
  • Threaten Canada’s pork industry and exports
  • Pose health risks to wildlife, pets, and people
Canada's Invasive Wild Pig Strategy 2022–2032 front cover

Coordinated Action Across the Country

Canada’s Invasive Wild Pig Strategy 2022–2032 provides a national framework to eradicate invasive wild pigs.

What’s Happening Now:

  • Mapping of wild pig populations
  • Provincial and territorial programs for detection, trapping, and removal

  • African swine fever surveillance (CanSpotASF)

  • Public outreach through programs like Squeal on Pigs!