About wild boar at large

The following amendments to the Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation are in force as of December 1, 2025:

• Wild boar are now a pest in all circumstances, not just when at large.
  • This means that it is illegal to keep, import, purchase or otherwise obtain, export, sell or otherwise dispose of or transport live wild boar or wild boar hybrids without a permit.
  • Learn more about the options available to help wild boar owners adjust to these changes including a voluntary exit with compensation through the Wild Boar On-Farm Exit Program or continuing to farm wild boar through grandfathering.
• It is illegal to hunt or trap wild boar in Alberta, with certain exceptions.
  • Learn more about the changes to rules for hunting and trapping wild boar.

Overview

Wild boar refers to:

• Eurasian wild boar
• Hybrids of domestic pigs and Eurasian wild boar

Wild boar are commonly called Old World swine, Russian boar, razorbacks, feral swine, wild pigs, or feral hogs.

History

Wild boar are not native to Alberta. They were brought to Alberta in the 1980s and ‘90s as livestock. Over the years, some have escaped and established feral (wild) populations in several parts of the province.

The Canadian Invasive Wild Pig Report shows locations of wild pigs across Canada and where activities are focused for their prevention, management, and removal. 

How they survive

Wild boar live in matriarchal groups called “sounders,” which consist of adult females and their offspring. Females can become sexually mature as early as six months of age and breed year-round, producing multiple litters annually—each averaging six piglets. This high reproductive rate far exceeds that of native wildlife such as moose or deer, which typically have only one or two offspring per year.

Wild boar are very adaptable. The wild boar in Alberta are typically the Eurasian type and have long dark hair and a woolly underfur that protects them from extreme cold. They build nests where they shelter during cold weather and are able to travel in deep snow to access food sources.

Where they live

Wild boar prefer habitats that provide forest cover for hiding and resting, as well as access to food. During the summer months they can be found close to water sources where they can wallow to stay cool. They can become  nocturnal.

Highly intelligent and adaptable, wild boar quickly modify their behavior in response to human activity. Their social structure facilitates learning and the transmission of behaviors from sows to their young, making them particularly difficult to control.

What they eat

Wild boar will eat just about any organic matter. They are omnivores, which means they will eat plants, insects, and other animals. They have a 'cartilaginous disc' on their snouts, which helps them dig and root extensively in search of insects and roots. They can use their very sharp tusks for rooting, as well as protection.

Impacts of wild boar

Wild boar are an invasive pest that can:

• damage property, agricultural crops, pastures and the environment by rooting (digging), trampling, and wallowing, which contaminates water supplies, causes erosion and destroys sensitive wetland habitat
• harass livestock, consume and contaminate their feed and water, and prey on young livestock
• spread diseases that could be transmitted to wildlife, livestock, pets and people
• compete with and prey on wildlife, for example pushing deer out of good habitat and consuming the eggs of ground-nesting birds
• endanger people and animals

A regulated pest

Wild boar are a provincially regulated agricultural pest in Alberta.

Under the Agricultural Pests Act and Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation, landowners are required to control or destroy pests and prevent them from becoming established on their land.

Hunting and trapping wild boar

While hunting has proven effective for managing other wildlife species, it is not a good approach for wild boar because of how quickly they can reproduce and their strong behavioural response to hunting pressure. Hunting pressure causes wild boar to become even more elusive, becoming nocturnal or moving to new areas.

Hunting and trapping wild boar in Alberta is illegal, with the following exceptions:

• Owners and occupants of land, and those assisting them, may hunt or trap wild boar on land they own or occupy in order to prevent the establishment of, or to control or destroy, wild boar
• commercial operators with a valid permit

Any person who kills a wild boar must report the date, location and number of wild boar killed to the Minister as soon as practicable: Report a wild boar kill.

Related

• Alberta Invasive Species Council – Squeal on Pigs!
• Alberta Pork
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• Wild Boar at large: an invasive species in Alberta

Report wild boar

Squeal on Pigs to help protect Alberta from wild boar! Report all sightings and signs of wild boar activity.

1. Safely take a picture.
2. Note the location.
3. Fill in our online reporting form:

Report a sighting