Squeal on Pigs

“Squeal on Pigs!” is an awareness and reporting program that tracks the distribution of invasive wild pigs, manages their spread, and supports control efforts in Canada.

Impacts of Wild Pigs

Invasive wild pigs pose a significant threat to Canada’s ecology, economy, and human safety.

Ecological Impacts:

Wild pigs reproduce rapidly and outcompete native species for food and water.
Their rooting and wallowing behaviours disturb landscapes and aquatic ecosystems, destroying habitats essential for fish and other wildlife.
These disruptions lead to biodiversity loss and may contribute to the extinction of native species.

Economic Impacts:

Wild pigs threaten the agricultural industry by spreading diseases to livestock.
They cause extensive damage to crops, fencing, and water infrastructure. Their ability to carry and transmit diseases poses a direct risk to livestock and human populations.

Impacts on Indigenous Peoples and Their Lands:

Invasive wild pigs pose significant risks to Indigenous communities, their traditional lands, waters, and agricultural practices.
Wild pigs disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems that Indigenous peoples rely on for traditional practices, such as hunting, fishing, and gathering. Their rooting behaviour can damage culturally significant plants and habitats vital to Indigenous ways of life.
Indigenous farmers face direct threats to their agricultural businesses as wild pigs damage crops and infrastructure, affecting food security and the economic stability of communities dependent on agriculture.
The spread of diseases carried by wild pigs can endanger livestock, adding additional economic risks to Indigenous agricultural operations, which may already be vulnerable due to historical inequalities and land access issues.
Wild pigs’ rooting and wallowing behaviours can lead to soil erosion and degradation of water sources, further impacting the lands and waters that Indigenous communities depend on for sustenance and cultural practices.

Human Safety Impacts:

Wild pigs are aggressive and territorial, posing a direct threat to people.
They can carry zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted to humans.

Due to these serious threats, efforts are underway to monitor, control, and eradicate wild pig populations in Canada.

Take Action

The “Squeal On Pigs!” program raises awareness about invasive wild pigs, encourages people to report sightings, and supports control efforts to prevent their spread.

How You Can Help:

Report Sightings: If you see a wild pig or signs of their presence (tracks, rooting, or damage), report it to your local wildlife authority. Your report helps track pig populations and guides management efforts.

Prevent Releases: Avoid keeping wild pigs as pets or for hunting. Escaped or released pigs contribute to invasive populations. Ensure all captive pigs are secured.

Do Not Sport Hunt: Hunting is not an effective control method and can worsen the problem. Wild pigs learn to evade hunters and change their movement patterns. If hunting occurs, follow all regulations and properly dispose of carcasses to prevent disease spread.

Clean Equipment: If you work or recreationally visit areas where wild pigs are present, clean and disinfect your clothing and gear before moving to a new location to help prevent the spread of pig-borne diseases.

Support Management Efforts: Help wildlife authorities and conservation organizations by raising awareness in your community and supporting control initiatives.

Partners

Learn more about organizations promoting Squeal on Pigs! More partners are coming soon!

Become a “Squeal on Pigs!” Partner! Help spread the word by promoting the Squeal on Pigs! Campaign to your audience.

As of 2023, the Squeal on Pigs! The program has been rebranded in partnership with organizations across North America through the Invasive Feral Swine Transboundary Working Group, which collaborates across borders to manage and prevent the spread of invasive wild pigs.

Organizations outside Canada are welcome to join the Squeal on Pigs! Partners and gain access to campaign graphics and materials.