To prevent the establishment of invasive wild pigs, the Province is phasing out Eurasian wild boar and their hybrids by 2024.
If you own one you must notify the ministry by March 1 to be eligible for a two-year exemption.
Visit here to learn more about pig ownership in Ontario.
The risks posed by wild pigs to Ontario’s natural environment and agriculture industry remain high says the MNR. To address these risks and prevent the establishment of invasive wild pigs in Ontario, changes have been developed under the Invasive Species Act, 2015.
See: Wild pigs are in the crosshairs of new government action
And: Fight against invasive wild pigs
And: Ontario can still avoid going 'Hog Wild'
Since January 2020 the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry received more than 80 reports of wild pig sightings, according to Jolanta Kowalski, a spokesperson for the ministry. The pigs have also been seen in Temagami.
"Destructive, clever, and supremely adaptable, invasive wild pigs compete with native wildlife for food and shelter. They prey on native plants, subjecting natural areas to enormous damage from digging, rooting, trampling, and wallowing," according to the ministry.
Wild pigs can also spread diseases to native wildlife and livestock. They have been sighted near Temagami, but mostly live in the south. Once established, invasive wild pigs can spread rapidly. They are prolific breeders, produce large litters up to twice a year, and can travel great distances.
The province defines a wild pig as any pig, whether domestic, Eurasian wild boar or a hybrid, that is outside a fence without an identifiable owner.
As of January 1, 2022:
- live pigs are not permitted in provincial parks or conservation reserves
- It is illegal to release any pig into the natural environment
If a pig escapes or is otherwise released, owners must:
- immediately notify the ministry at [email protected] or 1-833-933-2355
- capture the pig as soon as possible
Refer to Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affair’s Dealing with escaped livestock in your community factsheet for more information.
Eurasian wild boar and their hybrids play a greater role in the establishment and spread of wild pigs relative to domesticated breeds Ontario has introduced new directions to phase Eurasian wild boar and their hybrids out of the province by 2024:
- As of January 1, 2022, the import, possession, transport, propagation, lease, trade, buying and sale of Eurasian wild boar and their hybrids is prohibited.
- Anyone who possesses Eurasian wild boar or their hybrids on January 1, 2022 is eligible for a two-year exception period (January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2023), provided the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry is notified by March 1, 2022.
- Notifications can be provided to [email protected] or 1-833-933-2355 and must include the following information:
- owner’s name
- contact information
- location and number of Eurasian wild boar and hybrids
Following the two-year exception period, prohibitions will apply to all Ontarians.
As of January 1, 2022, hunting pigs in Ontario is illegal.
