Feral swine workshop set for Tuesday in Havre

Local groups and organizations are holding a workshop in Havre next week to look at a high-priority concern in Montana — the entry of feral swine.

“While feral swine are not yet in Montana, we are aware of their expanding range in Saskatchewan and recent reports of sightings of feral swine along Montana’s northern border,” Tahnee Szymanski, assistant state veterinarian with the Montana Department of Livestock said in a press release. “In coordination with our partners, we are working hard to prevent their introduction.”

The release said that, considering Havre’s proximity to the U.S.-Canadian border, it’s important to inform residents in Havre and the surrounding area about the impacts and threats feral swine pose and the importance of reporting any sightings.

The Montana Invasive Species website’s “Squeal On Pigs” page says that, although Montana has no known population of feral pigs, they are known to be just across the border in Saskatchewan and in North Dakota, as well.

“Feral swine are highly destructive and potentially dangerous animals,” the page says, adding, “Biologists describe feral swine as any swine not confined in fences. Their spread is blamed for an estimated $1.5 billion worth of damage to crops, wildlife and the environment. These swine can carry (more than) 30 diseases and parasites that pose a threat to livestock and humans, including swine brucellosis and pseudorabies.”

Tuesday’s workshop, sponsored by the Hill County Conservation District, Stockman Bank, Montana Department of Livestock, Montana Invasive Species Council, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, The Infinity Bake Shoppe and Eagle’s Club, will be held in the Eagles Club 1-3 p.m., with coffee, tea and water provided, a poster announcing the event says.

The poster says the goals and intended outcomes of the workshop are to

• Provide information about feral swine, their impacts, and why groups and agencies are concerned;

• Provide education about Montana’s regulations on feral swine, and

• Engage Montana residents and partners to improve coordination of feral swine management to prevent their introduction in Montana.

People are asked to RSVP to Hill County Conservation District at 265-6792 ext. 3334. Room capacity is 100 people.

State law prohibits people from hunting feral swine, and anyone who believes they have seen the animals in the state are asked to contact the Montana Department of Livestock at 406-444-2976 as soon as possible to report the sightings.