Manitoba's efforts of tracking and controlling the wild pig populations have been rooting up a lot of data.
While reports are clustered in southwest Manitoba, wild pigs have even been reported near the Dauphin side of Riding Mountain this summer.
Dr. Wayne Lees, director of Squeal of Pigs Manitoba says the province is managing the issue well, but the changing seasons cause unique challenges.
"what you'll start to see as corn especially gets removed, the pigs will start to look for more traditional food sources, acorns, and grubs. You'll start to see more rooting behaviors in pastures, and in the fringe areas where the landscape meets the forest.
This destructive rooting behavior can damage valuable grasslands, and according to Dr. Lees, also drive deer populations to move elsewhere.
Areas around the Duck Mountains and Riding Mountain Park are being closely watched for this invasive and destructive species.
"Usually it's the parkland area where there's a transition between agriculture and forest. that's where they like to reside best."
If you see any pigs out in the wild, or have evidence of their activity, contact 1-833-SPOT PIG, or visit squealonpigsmb.org.
