A hybrid breed of super pigs, born out of crossbreeding domestic pigs and wild boars, is wreaking havoc in Canada and is now making its way to the United States.
These super pigs were originally crossbred to help farmed pigs grow larger and tolerate the cold Canadian climate. However, when the market for them declined about two decades ago, some farmers let these hybrid pigs roam free, and now they are running wild.
The super pigs are heading south, likely making their way to Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Michigan. The problem is that the super pigs are proving to be difficult to eliminate, as they are incredibly hardy and can survive in the harsh Canadian climate.
They pose a threat to native species, as they feed on anything and can take down adult deer and gobble up tons of goslings and ducklings in the spring. The super pigs also cause significant crop damage.
Ryan Brook, leader of the University of Saskatchewan’s Canadian Wild Pig Research Project, warns that the super pigs are a threat to waterfowl, elk, and especially, whitetail deer. Though these pigs were originally considered a huntable species, they are now a significant threat to wildlife and the ecosystem.
The super pigs have already crossed the international border, with sightings in at least North Dakota. Their population is only growing, making the problem even more significant.
To tackle the issue, the Judas Pig concept is being used to lead game officials to other pigs. This approach involves strapping a GPS collar onto a pig to track the movements of other pigs.
In conclusion, the hybrid super pigs are a significant problem for Canada and the United States. They pose a threat to wildlife and the ecosystem and are difficult to eliminate. The Judas Pig concept is the best approach to track the super pigs, and it may be our only hope in controlling their population. If you see something, say something, and report it to the Squeal on Pigs website to help control the problem.
Leave a Reply