More than a dozen wild boars spotted roaming in Pickering, Ont. captured and euthanized
Over a dozen wild boars spotted roaming east of Toronto in early November have been captured and euthanized, government officials say.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry first launched an investigation into reports that 14 wild pigs were wandering around in Pickering, Ont. on Nov. 5.
Numerous people reported seeing the animals, including Pickering resident Mary Delaney who told CTV News Toronto that her husband spotted the boars in their yard.
"They surprised each other in an ‘E.T. meets Elliot in the cornfield’ moment,” she said.
Government officials expressed concern that the boars, which are an invasive species in Ontario, could have a significant impact on the province's natural environment and agricultural industry.
"They are considered one of the most damaging invasive species in the United States and have been called an ‘ecological train wreck’ due to trampling, wallowing, and rooting in sensitive habitats, and the significant damage they can cause to farmlands and stored crops," Morgan Kerekes, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Our goal is to reduce the disease risk these animals pose to Ontario’s domestic herd and the extensive damage they can do to agricultural crops."
Kerekes said that staff worked with local landowners to find out where the animals were frequenting and then set up bait and trail cameras in the area. Eleven wild boars were captured on Nov. 30 and the final three were found on Dec. 6.
"With respect to the wild pigs in the Pickering area, they were humanely euthanized and will be sent for necropsy and research," Kerekes said. "Through this research, we will learn about the condition of wild pigs in Ontario, potential diseases and pathogens and outcomes will inform future management."
Anyone who comes across a wild boar is encouraged to report the sighting to wildpigs@ontario.ca.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Torchbearers in Marseille kick off the Olympic flame's journey across France
Torchbearers carried the Olympic flame through the streets of France's southern port city of Marseille on Thursday, a day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for a welcoming ceremony.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.