In the vast expanses of Manitoba, a battle unfolds against an invasive menace – wild pigs. Dr. Wayne Lees, the Coordinator of Squeal on Pigs Manitoba, described the heart of this campaign aimed at eliminating these nocturnal marauders wreaking havoc on crops’ natural habitats and posing disease threats to livestock.
Dr. Lees categorically asserts, “Squeal on Pigs is a project to eliminate wild pigs from the landscape in Manitoba. These invasive species don’t belong here, and they’ve caused much damage to crops and the environment.”
Launched in January 2022, the campaign is a joint effort between Manitoba Pork, the government of Canada, the province of Manitoba, and the broader agricultural sector.
The primary goal of the Squeal on Pigs campaign is to eradicate these wild pigs from Manitoba’s landscape. Dr. Lees underscores their significant risks regarding immediate crop destruction and potential vectors for diseases, especially foreign animal diseases. The collaborative nature of the campaign involves federal and provincial agencies, producer agencies, and key stakeholders such as Parks Canada, Manitoba Agriculture, and Manitoba Natural Resources.
The campaign employs a comprehensive outreach strategy, leveraging electronic and print media and distributing information at fairs and exhibitions.
“Our campaign reaches out through electronic media, print media, and distribution, fairs and exhibitions of brochures and information to try to alert the public.”
Crucially, public participation is a linchpin of the campaign’s success. Dr. Lees urges citizens to report wild pig sightings, a vital component in the ongoing battle against these invasive creatures.
The program is seeing positive responses from the public, with numerous sightings reported and active engagement through various media channels.

Dr. Lees delves into the numbers, revealing that in 2022 there were 127 reported sightings, resulting in the removal of 122 pigs through trapping or shooting. Surprisingly, the distribution of wild pigs was more widespread than anticipated, reaching further north and east than initially thought.
To identify signs of wild pig presence, Dr. Lees explains that while direct sightings may be rare due to their nocturnal and elusive nature, signs include crop damage, particularly in corn fields, and disturbances in pastures.
“These wild pigs like to get into corn crops, and so they’ll do a lot of damage by knocking down corn and half-eating corn. They can also damage stored grain or stored crops, especially if it’s not in damage-proof containers,” he said.
The other thing that people may notice is in pastures, quite often, it’ll look like a rototiller went through the pasture, and this usually occurs at the edge of the pasture where the pasture meets bush and that sort of thing.
There are some different signs that people can see. They could visit our website, and we have some pretty good pictures of what people can look for.
The Squeal on Pigs Manitoba website provides detailed images and information to aid the public in identifying potential sightings.
Eradication strategies are meticulous, involving the setting up of cell cameras, baiting stations, and, ultimately, trapping. Dr. Lees said that trapping is the most effective strategy, especially when strategically placed in areas with pig activity and enticed with bait.
“Anyone encountering evidence of wild pigs is encouraged to report it promptly through the toll-free number or the Squeal on Pigs Manitoba website.”

Dr. Lees highlights the global concern about wild pigs, emphasizing the heightened awareness of potential disease threats, with African Swine Fever being a primary concern. He underscores that wild pigs could carry various diseases, making them a significant bio-security concern.
For those interested in supporting the Squeal on Pigs campaign or seeking more information, Dr. Lees directs them to the campaign’s website (www.squealonpigsmb.org) or the toll-free number (1-833-SPOT-PIG).
He reiterates the campaign: “Our goal is to eradicate wild pigs from Manitoba. They’re an invasive species that doesn’t belong here. And so through a concerted effort and partnerships with other agencies through public collaboration, I think we’ll get to that goal, but it’ll take some time.”
The fight against wild pigs in Manitoba continues, and Dr. Wayne Lees remains at the forefront, leading the charge toward a pig-free landscape. •
— By Harry Siemens