Feral pigs, known as ‘super pigs’ due to their exceptional adaptability and reproductive capabilities, have established a significant presence in Canada and are now poised to cross the border into the northern United States. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan has shed light on the alarming potential for these pigs to invade and inflict substantial damage on agricultural production and ecosystems in the region.
The study’s findings, published in the journal ‘Nature Scientific Reports,’ are based on GPS tracking data collected from 22 feral pigs in Canada. The data revealed that these pigs favor areas with a patchwork of wetland, deciduous forests, and crops, which provide both food and cover. This type of habitat is widespread across the northern prairies and along the border, making it highly susceptible to invasion.
According to the researchers, areas near bodies of water, such as Fort Peck Lake in Montana, Devils Lake in North Dakota, and the Missouri River, are particularly vulnerable to pig expansion. The study’s lead author, Dr. Ryan Brook, emphasized the urgency of implementing effective mitigation strategies to prevent the spread of these invasive animals.
One suggested approach involves planting shorter crops that provide less cover for the pigs, while another involves erecting fences or implementing trapping programs to restrict their access to preferred habitats. The Canadian Council on Invasive Species has provided guidance on these mitigation measures.
Currently, some wild pig populations in the prairie province of Manitoba, Canada, are just a few days’ trot from the US border. Dr. Brook expressed concern about the potential for uncontrolled expansion and the subsequent ecological and economic damage that could ensue if the situation is not addressed promptly. He stressed the imperative for collaborative efforts between Canada and the US to mitigate the risk and protect both countries from the invasive threat posed by feral ‘super pigs.’
