Alberta Unveils New Wild Boar Control Program

The Alberta government has developed a new multi-pronged approach to try and control the province’s wild boar population.

In a statement Tuesday, the government said the approach includes an expanded trapping and control program, compensation for farmers and two separate bounty programs – one for landowners and trappers, and another for hunters.

The expanded trapping and control program involves active surveillance in several counties and more active traps across the province. As well, wild boar damage is now included in the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program administered by the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation. Finally, a modified remuneration program will also be implemented for landowners and government-approved trappers, subject to agreements with participating counties.

Hunters and trappers will be paid up to $75 per set of ears.

To help its wild boar surveillance efforts, Alberta is also implementing a one-year bounty pilot program for hunters. As their expiry dates near, both programs will be evaluated for effectiveness and next steps will be determined. To date, the County of Stettler and the Municipal District of Peace have signed on to both remuneration programs.

Listed as a pest under Alberta’s Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation, wild boar at large can cause damage to crops and property, endanger livestock and people, spread disease and damage the environment. Wild boar have been documented in 28 rural municipalities in the province.

Last month, the Saskatchewan government said it would develop regulations for licensing existing commercial wild boar farms and impose a moratorium on any new farms. Regulations for wild boar/feral pigs are also to be developed under The Pest Control Act, which will specify the various monitoring and control efforts as well as public obligations to report.