Alberta Updates Wild Boar Management Program

The Government of Alberta has updated its Wild Boar Control Program, introducing regulatory changes that affect wild boar ownership, containment standards, and overall management.

These updates are particularly relevant for County landowners and agricultural producers, and have already generated early questions and informal feedback within the community.

Key points residents should know:

• Wild boar are classified as an agricultural pest in Alberta and pose significant risks to agriculture, livestock, and natural areas.
• The Province has strengthened its approach to controlling and eliminating wild boar, including changes that impact existing operations.
• New requirements have been introduced regarding reporting, containment, and regulatory compliance.
• The overall goal is to prevent the spread of wild boar and reduce long-term impacts on farmland and the environment.

Wild boar are already prohibited under the County’s Prohibited Animals Bylaw # 10-2019, and the Province’s updated program aligns with the County’s long-standing approach to preventing the keeping or introduction of prohibited species in the community.

The role of Agriculture Services is to help make residents aware of these provincial changes and direct them to the Province’s official information, rather than interpret or enforce the regulations locally.

Residents are encouraged to learn more by visiting the Government of Alberta’s Wild Boar Control Program webpage: alberta.ca/wild-boar-control-program