Feral Pig

• In B.C. any pig that is not in captivity or under someone’s control is considered a feral pig. This includes domestic pig breeds, Eurasian wild boars and hybrids.
• They vary in colour and can be grey, black, brown, white or a combination.
• They vary in weight from 35-200kg.
• They may or may not have tusks.

• The Eurasian boar is the wild origin of the European domestic pig. It is native to Eurasia and north Africa.
• Feral pigs have either escaped captivity or been released intentionally for hunting.
• Pigs can reproduce quickly; having over 10 piglets per litter, several times a year.

• Pigs are opportunistic omnivores. They will eat whatever is available including vegetation, fungi, reptiles, amphibians, eggs of ground nesting birds and small mammals.
• They are destructive to agricultural land, native ecosystems and private property.
• They can compete with and prey on livestock and native animals.
• There is a risk of disease transmission to people, livestock and wildlife.
• Wallowing and rooting activities can be very degrading to wetland areas and impact water quality.

• Within B.C., feral pigs have been reported in low numbers in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Thompson-Okanagan, Peace, Chilkotin and Kootenay Regions.
• Feral pigs are not yet established in large populations in B.C.

Prevention

• Do not allow pigs to roam in unfenced areas and ensure all fences are well maintained.
• Do not release any pigs – it is illegal in B.C.

Cultural Control

• Feral pigs can be hunted in B.C. and harvests must be reported. However, hunting is not considered an effective method of population control. Reporting of sightings is encouraged.

Canadian Council on Invasive Species