Latest news with #InvasiveSpeciesCouncil
CBC
3 days ago
- General
- CBC
New campaign encourages B.C. to 'squeal' on invasive pigs
Escaped domestic pigs are no joke. That's the message behind a new awareness campaign from the Invasive Species Council of B.C. aimed at preventing feral pig populations from growing and thriving in British Columbia, as they have elsewhere in North America. The campaign encourages British Columbians to "squeal on pigs" they believe have escaped into the wild, and offers farmers tips on how to prevent their animals from getting loose. "It's one of the species that we want to be very, very careful with," said Stanley Troyer, who grew up on a ranch and now owns a custom meat-cutting shop in Fort St. John in northeast B.C., one of the regions of the province where feral pigs are most likely to thrive. He said he once helped a friend track down a loose hog that travelled more than 50 kilometres in the middle of winter — a reminder of the animal's ability to survive in northern climates. "It's important that we don't underestimate the ability of hogs," he said. Gail Wallin, executive director of the Invasive Species Council of B.C., said escaped domesticated pigs can cause environmental damage and spread disease. "They're rooters. They'll destroy your crops or your wetlands or whatever lands are really important for other native species," she said. The campaign features pigs in places they shouldn't be — grocery stores, tractors, and kitchen cupboards — and asks people to act if they see any in real life. Wallin said the council has spent the last year working on resources for local governments and pork producers, as well as things like kids' activity books, to support the campaign. She said anyone who spots a pig can report it online through the council's website, by using an invasive species app or by calling in with information. She said having a photo of the animal is particularly important. "If it's a pig outside a fence, it's illegal in British Columbia. So, that goes to the province, and the province works out a response," she said. An alert posted by the provincial government said feral pigs have been reported in low numbers in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Thompson-Okanagan, Peace, Chilcotin and Kootenay regions. It said many were released or escaped from farms but they "have not yet established large populations in the province." Wallin said her organization has seen the damage invasive pigs can cause in other provinces, as well as in the United States, and it's a growing concern. "We don't want that here in British Columbia," she said. "We want to catch them when they're still in their early stages, and prevent new ones from coming in." Wild boars that aren't being raised as livestock are considered an invasive species in Alberta and are a provincially regulated "agricultural pest." The government of Alberta has said the pigs can compete with wildlife and destroy other sensitive natural habitats. The Alberta Invasive Species Council said that while there are no Canadian estimates, agricultural damage in the U.S. caused by wild boar at large is estimated to be $1.5 billion each year.
Global News
3 days ago
- General
- Global News
See a loose pig in B.C.? Officials want you to ‘squeal' on it
Have you seen a pig running loose anywhere in B.C.? If so, officials want you to squeal on that little porker. That's the message of a new campaign from the Invasive Species Council of B.C., and while the framing is silly, the issue is no joke. Feral pigs have become a massive global problem, damaging crops, ecosystems and infrastructure, posing a potential health hazard and, in some cases, getting aggressive with people. The good news is that while feral pigs have become established in the United States and on the Canadian prairies, they haven't got a foothold in B.C. yet. It's something the Invasive Species Council is looking to prevent. 2:14 Pigs cause damage to Vancouver Island golf course 'We've seen the damage invasive pigs can cause in other provinces, and we have a real opportunity in B.C. to prevent that from happening here,' said Gail Wallin, executive director of the Invasive Species Council of B.C. Story continues below advertisement 'That's why we've launched this campaign — to raise awareness and remind people that their observations matter. Whether you're on the land every day or out for a weekend hike, early reporting of pigs on the land makes all the difference.' Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The Invasive Species Council says feral pigs are not known yet to be established in B.C., but that there have been more than three dozen confirmed sightings. Invasive pigs can be Eurasian boars, domestic pigs, and hybrids that escaped, have been released, or were born in the wild. And they breed quickly. The Invasive Species Council says they're capable of producing two litters a year, with up to a dozen piglets per litter. Ryan Brook, a professor of agriculture of agribusiness and bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan, said B.C. has a chance to get ahead of the problem. He said the U.S. has an estimated population of 7 million feral pigs, who do an estimated $2.5 billion in crop damage every year. There's no firm population estimate on the Canadian prairies, he said, but added they have 'spread like wildfire' and it's believed there have been more than 70,000 since the 1980s. Wild pigs have also been spotted in all provinces and at least one territory. 5:00 Experts urge action on feral pig problem in regions of B.C. 'I think we really serve as a cautionary tale of in all kinds of ways, frankly, don't do what we get ahead of it sooner and avoid the catastrophe that we have underway right now,' he said. Story continues below advertisement 'They can spread diseases to humans, to pets, wildlife and livestock, but they can also be a public health nuisance. They can be dangerous, they do travel in groups we call 'sounders', and certainly we've seen aggressive behaviours.' The health risk is one of the factors the Invasive Species Council is highlighting, warning that invasive pigs could become a reservoir for African swine fever if the disease makes its way to Canada. The group is now urging anyone who sees pigs on the loose anywhere in B.C., but particularly in the Peace, East Chilctoin and area west of Kamloops, to report them immediately. It's a small action Brook said could make a big difference in preventing the animals from becoming established. 'B.C. is a huge province. It covers a massive area, and there aren't enough airplanes and helicopters and trail cameras to cover all of it,' he said. 'So eyes on the land of people that are hunters and hikers and recreationists and people delivering the mail, people driving school buses, everybody out there that spends a lot of time outside has the chance to see these and report them in and get those in a timely manner so they can react quickly.'
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
New campaign encourages B.C. to ‘squeal' on invasive pigs
WILLIAMS LAKE — British Columbia's Invasive Species Council says the province needs to get ahead of the potential risk of invasive pigs before they gain a foothold the way they have elsewhere in Canada. The council says the animals cause extensive damage to ecosystems, farmland, and infrastructure and can spread diseases. A new awareness campaign is encouraging British Columbians 'squeal' on pigs by reporting any feral pigs they spot. The campaign features pigs in places they shouldn't be — grocery stores, tractors, and kitchen cupboards — and asks people to act if they see any in real life. An alert posted by the provincial government says feral pigs have been reported in low numbers in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Thompson-Okanagan, Peace, Chilcotin and Kootenay Regions. It says many were released or escaped from farms but they 'have not yet established large populations in the province.' Gail Wallin, executive director of the Invasive Species Council of B.C., says the organization has seen the damage invasive pigs can cause in other provinces. 'That's why we've launched this campaign — to raise awareness and remind people that their observations matter. Whether you're on the land every day or out for a weekend hike, early reporting of pigs on the land makes all the difference,' she says. Wild boars not being raised as livestock are considered an invasive species in Alberta and are a provincially regulated 'agricultural pest.' The government of Alberta says the pigs can compete with wildlife and destroy other sensitive natural habitats. The Alberta Invasive Species Council says while there are no Canadian estimates, agricultural damage in the United States caused by wild boar at large is estimated to be $1.5 billion each year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2025
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
New campaign encourages B.C. to ‘squeal' on invasive pigs
WILLIAMS LAKE – British Columbia's Invasive Species Council says the province needs to get ahead of the potential risk of invasive pigs before they gain a foothold the way they have elsewhere in Canada. The council says the animals cause extensive damage to ecosystems, farmland, and infrastructure and can spread diseases. A new awareness campaign is encouraging British Columbians 'squeal' on pigs by reporting any feral pigs they spot. The campaign features pigs in places they shouldn't be — grocery stores, tractors, and kitchen cupboards — and asks people to act if they see any in real life. An alert posted by the provincial government says feral pigs have been reported in low numbers in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Thompson-Okanagan, Peace, Chilcotin and Kootenay Regions. It says many were released or escaped from farms but they 'have not yet established large populations in the province.' Gail Wallin, executive director of the Invasive Species Council of B.C., says the organization has seen the damage invasive pigs can cause in other provinces. 'That's why we've launched this campaign — to raise awareness and remind people that their observations matter. Whether you're on the land every day or out for a weekend hike, early reporting of pigs on the land makes all the difference,' she says. Wild boars not being raised as livestock are considered an invasive species in Alberta and are a provincially regulated 'agricultural pest.' The government of Alberta says the pigs can compete with wildlife and destroy other sensitive natural habitats. The Alberta Invasive Species Council says while there are no Canadian estimates, agricultural damage in the United States caused by wild boar at large is estimated to be $1.5 billion each year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2025
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Climate change costs hit regions and budget hard
Frequent bushfires and floods have exploded natural disaster recovery and relief costs as 3.2 million regional residents are promised upgraded hospitals, new preschools and better roads. As communities in northern NSW continue cleaning up from floods in May and the memories of February's Cyclone Alfred fade, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey on Tuesday set aside another $4.2 billion towards future and past disaster relief. That figure, outlined in the 2025/26 state budget, was "likely to increase in response to both previous and potentially new natural disasters", he said. It comes amid yearly disaster relief spending of $1.6 billion since the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, a 10-fold increase on the prior six years. Several areas have been hit twice, including the northern rivers smashed by record-breaking floods in 2022 and significant flooding in March. Some $2.3 billion will be specifically allocated to repair cratered local and state roads damaged in Lismore and surrounding towns, as well as in the Hunter. Another $63 million will be dedicated to relocating locals in the northern rivers looking for safer residential options, while $27 million is being injected into water and sewer infrastructure in central west NSW. Feral pest management funding has been carried over by a $9 million top-up to cull feral pigs and deer but groups such as the Invasive Species Council said a more comprehensive and scientifically grounded program was needed. Drought-affected farmers, selling their sheep and cattles at record rates, are left empty-handed for now. "Areas around the Riverina, Cootamundra council areas have been in drought now for literally 12 months ... no recognition from this government around what that means," Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said. "In the last month, there's been a little bit of rain, but that does not make the season and there's concerns about that drought spreading." He also attacked a record $1 billion injection in biosecurity measures saying it was "paltry" amid myriad threats from fire ants, cattle tick, varroa mites and foot-and-mouth "knocking on the door". Labor's budget also targets a more environmentally-minded future with a focus on renewable energy. Some $2.1 billion over four years will primarily support five renewable energy zones, unlocking billions more in private investment. Farmers and agribusiness will get $45 million to help digital technology and on-farm connectivity while $48 million will boost mobile phone coverage on highways. An additional $2.1 billion will be invested in building and upgrading regional schools. Amid difficulties getting doctors out to the bush and remote communities, more than $1 billion will be invested to build hospitals, reduce overdue surgeries and set up new targeted programs. These include a new hospital in Gunnedah and a statewide mental health infrastructure program to boost in-patient services. About $1 billion will be splashed to build four special business precincts in Parkes, Moree, Wagga Wagga and the Snowy Mountains that play to each region's strengths, from freight and logistics to horticulture. Frequent bushfires and floods have exploded natural disaster recovery and relief costs as 3.2 million regional residents are promised upgraded hospitals, new preschools and better roads. As communities in northern NSW continue cleaning up from floods in May and the memories of February's Cyclone Alfred fade, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey on Tuesday set aside another $4.2 billion towards future and past disaster relief. That figure, outlined in the 2025/26 state budget, was "likely to increase in response to both previous and potentially new natural disasters", he said. It comes amid yearly disaster relief spending of $1.6 billion since the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, a 10-fold increase on the prior six years. Several areas have been hit twice, including the northern rivers smashed by record-breaking floods in 2022 and significant flooding in March. Some $2.3 billion will be specifically allocated to repair cratered local and state roads damaged in Lismore and surrounding towns, as well as in the Hunter. Another $63 million will be dedicated to relocating locals in the northern rivers looking for safer residential options, while $27 million is being injected into water and sewer infrastructure in central west NSW. Feral pest management funding has been carried over by a $9 million top-up to cull feral pigs and deer but groups such as the Invasive Species Council said a more comprehensive and scientifically grounded program was needed. Drought-affected farmers, selling their sheep and cattles at record rates, are left empty-handed for now. "Areas around the Riverina, Cootamundra council areas have been in drought now for literally 12 months ... no recognition from this government around what that means," Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said. "In the last month, there's been a little bit of rain, but that does not make the season and there's concerns about that drought spreading." He also attacked a record $1 billion injection in biosecurity measures saying it was "paltry" amid myriad threats from fire ants, cattle tick, varroa mites and foot-and-mouth "knocking on the door". Labor's budget also targets a more environmentally-minded future with a focus on renewable energy. Some $2.1 billion over four years will primarily support five renewable energy zones, unlocking billions more in private investment. Farmers and agribusiness will get $45 million to help digital technology and on-farm connectivity while $48 million will boost mobile phone coverage on highways. An additional $2.1 billion will be invested in building and upgrading regional schools. Amid difficulties getting doctors out to the bush and remote communities, more than $1 billion will be invested to build hospitals, reduce overdue surgeries and set up new targeted programs. These include a new hospital in Gunnedah and a statewide mental health infrastructure program to boost in-patient services. About $1 billion will be splashed to build four special business precincts in Parkes, Moree, Wagga Wagga and the Snowy Mountains that play to each region's strengths, from freight and logistics to horticulture. Frequent bushfires and floods have exploded natural disaster recovery and relief costs as 3.2 million regional residents are promised upgraded hospitals, new preschools and better roads. As communities in northern NSW continue cleaning up from floods in May and the memories of February's Cyclone Alfred fade, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey on Tuesday set aside another $4.2 billion towards future and past disaster relief. That figure, outlined in the 2025/26 state budget, was "likely to increase in response to both previous and potentially new natural disasters", he said. It comes amid yearly disaster relief spending of $1.6 billion since the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, a 10-fold increase on the prior six years. Several areas have been hit twice, including the northern rivers smashed by record-breaking floods in 2022 and significant flooding in March. Some $2.3 billion will be specifically allocated to repair cratered local and state roads damaged in Lismore and surrounding towns, as well as in the Hunter. Another $63 million will be dedicated to relocating locals in the northern rivers looking for safer residential options, while $27 million is being injected into water and sewer infrastructure in central west NSW. Feral pest management funding has been carried over by a $9 million top-up to cull feral pigs and deer but groups such as the Invasive Species Council said a more comprehensive and scientifically grounded program was needed. Drought-affected farmers, selling their sheep and cattles at record rates, are left empty-handed for now. "Areas around the Riverina, Cootamundra council areas have been in drought now for literally 12 months ... no recognition from this government around what that means," Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said. "In the last month, there's been a little bit of rain, but that does not make the season and there's concerns about that drought spreading." He also attacked a record $1 billion injection in biosecurity measures saying it was "paltry" amid myriad threats from fire ants, cattle tick, varroa mites and foot-and-mouth "knocking on the door". Labor's budget also targets a more environmentally-minded future with a focus on renewable energy. Some $2.1 billion over four years will primarily support five renewable energy zones, unlocking billions more in private investment. Farmers and agribusiness will get $45 million to help digital technology and on-farm connectivity while $48 million will boost mobile phone coverage on highways. An additional $2.1 billion will be invested in building and upgrading regional schools. Amid difficulties getting doctors out to the bush and remote communities, more than $1 billion will be invested to build hospitals, reduce overdue surgeries and set up new targeted programs. These include a new hospital in Gunnedah and a statewide mental health infrastructure program to boost in-patient services. About $1 billion will be splashed to build four special business precincts in Parkes, Moree, Wagga Wagga and the Snowy Mountains that play to each region's strengths, from freight and logistics to horticulture. Frequent bushfires and floods have exploded natural disaster recovery and relief costs as 3.2 million regional residents are promised upgraded hospitals, new preschools and better roads. As communities in northern NSW continue cleaning up from floods in May and the memories of February's Cyclone Alfred fade, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey on Tuesday set aside another $4.2 billion towards future and past disaster relief. That figure, outlined in the 2025/26 state budget, was "likely to increase in response to both previous and potentially new natural disasters", he said. It comes amid yearly disaster relief spending of $1.6 billion since the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, a 10-fold increase on the prior six years. Several areas have been hit twice, including the northern rivers smashed by record-breaking floods in 2022 and significant flooding in March. Some $2.3 billion will be specifically allocated to repair cratered local and state roads damaged in Lismore and surrounding towns, as well as in the Hunter. Another $63 million will be dedicated to relocating locals in the northern rivers looking for safer residential options, while $27 million is being injected into water and sewer infrastructure in central west NSW. Feral pest management funding has been carried over by a $9 million top-up to cull feral pigs and deer but groups such as the Invasive Species Council said a more comprehensive and scientifically grounded program was needed. Drought-affected farmers, selling their sheep and cattles at record rates, are left empty-handed for now. "Areas around the Riverina, Cootamundra council areas have been in drought now for literally 12 months ... no recognition from this government around what that means," Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said. "In the last month, there's been a little bit of rain, but that does not make the season and there's concerns about that drought spreading." He also attacked a record $1 billion injection in biosecurity measures saying it was "paltry" amid myriad threats from fire ants, cattle tick, varroa mites and foot-and-mouth "knocking on the door". Labor's budget also targets a more environmentally-minded future with a focus on renewable energy. Some $2.1 billion over four years will primarily support five renewable energy zones, unlocking billions more in private investment. Farmers and agribusiness will get $45 million to help digital technology and on-farm connectivity while $48 million will boost mobile phone coverage on highways. An additional $2.1 billion will be invested in building and upgrading regional schools. Amid difficulties getting doctors out to the bush and remote communities, more than $1 billion will be invested to build hospitals, reduce overdue surgeries and set up new targeted programs. These include a new hospital in Gunnedah and a statewide mental health infrastructure program to boost in-patient services. About $1 billion will be splashed to build four special business precincts in Parkes, Moree, Wagga Wagga and the Snowy Mountains that play to each region's strengths, from freight and logistics to horticulture.
