The first B.C. Feral Pig Workshop was co-hosted by the B.C. Wildlife Federation (BCWF), the Province of B.C., and the Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) at the end of February 2023 in New Westminster. The support of the Province of B.C. in making this event a success is greatly appreciated! Mark Hall, representing the BCWF, and Gail Wallin, executive director of the ISCBC, moderated the sessions. The workshop was attended by representatives from several First Nations groups, stakeholders, and the B.C. government.
Feral pigs are a very destructive invasive species that can cause significant economic and environmental damage, and have been shown to effect wildlife and their habitats. Preventing the establishment of feral pig populations is critical and requires strong partnerships to prevent introductions, increase reporting and rapidly respond to detections. The workshop sessions outlined what is happening in B.C., who is involved, and plans for the future. As with all invasive species, collaboration across all borders and ‘fences’ is important.
Goals of the Workshop Were:
- To raise awareness and understanding of the threats of feral pigs to Canada,
- To share knowledge about feral pigs and management approaches in B.C.,
- To increase understanding of roles and responsibilities within government and beyond to protect B.C. from feral pigs, and
- To recommend ways to work together to prevent establishment of feral pigs in B.C.
A “what we heard” document summarizing the contributions of workshop attendees will be disturbed, and there are plans to keep working on details related to processes for detection and removal of feral pigs in B.C.