Alberta Intensified Its War Against The Wild Pigs
Alberta Intensified Its War Against The Wild Pigs
The animals are thought to be the most ferociously destructive and invasive mammal species on Earth.
The province announces to step up the fight against the increasing menace of terribly destructive wild boars.
After years of failures to eliminate the aggressive and invasive animals which are believed to be present in 28 Alberta counties, the government has once again launched hunting incentives with renewed strength and strategies. One for trappers and landowners, another for those who hunt them, the bounty for each set of pig ears is $ 75.
Some efforts are also being done to expand and diversify surveillance and trapping strategies. The government has also announced compensation for the farmers and ranchers affected by the feral pigs and marauding wild and for all those who ensure participation in trapping them.
The country of municipal district and Stettler have signed on to both payment programs, says the Province.
“Wild boars are posing serious threats to our animals as well as our environment, and also causing diseases like African swine fever,” said agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Economic Development Minister Nate Horner.
“The reason why we are taking such quick actions against wild boars is that they have become a menace for the people and society and we want to get rid of them before the situation gets worse.”
The employment of the bounty approach is a time-tested approach that yielded 1,135 proof-of-kills from 2008 to 2017.
Ecologists and province experts have cautioned to make shooting of the wine more effective, saying these beasts are very clever and sensing the threat of humans, they migrate to other areas.
Last month there were speculations and concerns about the bounty program’s return, raising doubts and questions about the credibility of this program.
“Our industry and Alberta Pork firmly stand against bounties,” said Charlotte Ship, the industry program manager in a panel discussion held in March by the Alberta Invasive Species Council.
“Based on our previous experience, bounties produced no better results except educating these animals and making these worse.”
She said, all the efforts are more politically motivated to achieve political objectives rather than doing what is needed for an industry concerned about the spread of disease.
While on the other hand, an official with one Alberta County who has dealt with the pests is highly optimistic and satisfied with these efforts. He says that a variety of tactics can prove to be effective and produce desired results.
“The strategy of trapping compared with mop-up hunting is better but there is always some room for mop-up hunting,” said Matt Martinson, director of community services and agriculture in Clearwater County northwest of Calgary.
“To deal with the issue, requires a scalpel and not a sledgehammer, and it is exactly what we are doing right now_ it is perfectly right to say that province is learning from past experience.”
The bounty system for its effectiveness and efficiency is called the pilot program which began in April and will run for the next year.
