Battle Against the 'Super Pig': Growing Threat of Wild Hogs Sparks Concern in North America

From Canada, a group of "super pigs" is seen to be growing and it is threatening to invade the United States soon.

If the population of the invasive species of hogs will not be mitigated, chances are it will deplete the population of the native pigs in the country.

Canada's 'Super Pig' Invasion

A resilient and challenging population of wild hogs, dubbed "super pigs," is on the move in Canada, and authorities fear an imminent spillover into the US.

As reported by The Associated Press, these super pigs are crossbreeds on the loose, merging the survival prowess of wild Eurasian boars with the size and prolific breeding capabilities of domestic swine.

Regional Precautions in Motion

Concerned by the potential invasion of these super pigs, states like Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana are already implementing preventative measures.

The wild pig population surge in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba is posing a significant threat to native species and demanding swift action.

Widespread Menace of Wild Hogs

The population of the feral swine has grown in the US since they were first brought in the 1500s. At present, the hogs are said to have covered over three-quarters of the country.

As the US Department of Agriculture says, the number of invasive pigs exceeded nine million. They are projected to expand in numbers and invade states such as Michigan, Hawaii, and California in the long run.

Ecological Train Wreck

University of Saskatchewan's professor Ryan Brook, who also happens to be a lead author on the issue, says that "super pigs" are the most invasive animal on Earth.

For Brook, these hard-to-eradicate hogs resemble an "ecological train wreck." Annually, the species are accountable for nearly $2.5 billion in damages in the agriculture sector.

Super Pigs Should Not Underestimated

The super pigs' intelligence and adaptability make them formidable opponents, thriving even in Canada's harsh winters, according to USA Today.

Known for consuming anything in their path, from wildlife to crops, these wild hogs spread diseases, including the perilous African swine fever, pose a threat to hog farms, and wreak havoc on landscapes. Their rapid reproduction further complicates eradication efforts.

Conservation Efforts and Challenges

Despite concerted efforts to eliminate wild pig populations, the success rate for hunters remains low at about 2% to 3%. The Missouri Feral Hog Elimination Partnership, for instance, eliminated nearly 10,000 feral hogs in 2021, contributing to a total of over 54,000 since 2016.

However, the elusive nature of these creatures and their ability to relocate in response to hunting pressures pose significant challenges.

Impact on States and Mitigation Strategies

States like Florida, Georgia, and Texas report the highest incidents of feral hog encounters.

Texas alone witnessed 2,425 feral hog sightings in 2023, with Georgia following closely at 1,377. Popular mitigation tactics include public hunting, fencing, and trapping, with the latter methods requiring more sustained investment and upkeep.