Super Pigs from Canada Could Invade the US

By Andi Anderson

An exploding population of feral swine in Canada is threatening to spill south of the border, and northern states like Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana are taking steps to stop the invasion.

These feral swine, often crossbreeds of wild Eurasian boar and domestic swine, have been dubbed "super pigs" due to their increased size, strength, and adaptability. They are wreaking havoc in Canada, causing millions of dollars in damage to crops and wildlife, and spreading diseases such as African swine fever.

Experts are warning that these super pigs could easily cross the border into the United States, where they could cause even more damage. In the United States, feral swine are already estimated to cause around $2.5 billion in damage to crops every year.

The situation is particularly dire in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, where eradication of feral swine is no longer considered possible. However, a few U.S. states have been successful in eradicating small populations of feral swine. The key, experts say, is to have a detection system that finds them early and fast, and then respond quickly.

Montana has been one of the most proactive states in taking steps to prevent the invasion of feral swine. The state has banned the raising and transporting of wild pigs within its borders.

Other states are implementing a variety of measures to try to prevent or control the spread of feral swine, including trapping, hunting, and fencing. However, these measures are often expensive and time-consuming, and they may not be effective in the long term.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is also working to address the problem of feral swine. The agency has launched the National Feral Swine Management Program, which provides funding to states for eradication and control efforts.

The USDA is also using aircraft and drones to beef up surveillance along the northern border.

While the threat of super pig invasion from Canada is real, there are steps that can be taken to prevent it. By working together, states and the federal government can develop and implement effective strategies to control and eradicate feral swine populations.

Photo Credit: istock-deyanarobova