Alberta Declares War on Invasive Wild Boars With Province-Wide Hunting Ban🐗

As we continue to slowly inch back towards the weekend, let’s all take a minute to grab a coffee or whiskey (no judgement) and get into what this beautiful Tuesday has to offer.

Here's what's worth reading about so far this week:

TO HUNT OR NOT TO HUNT. THAT IS THE QUESTION.
ALBERTA DECLARES WAR ON INVASIVE HOGS WITH PROVINCE-WIDE HUNTING BAN

In a bold move to safeguard its agriculture, environment, and livestock industry, the Government of Alberta has officially classified wild boars—also known as feral swine or Eurasian wild pigs—as a "pest in all circumstances." Effective December 1st, this declaration ushers in sweeping restrictions, including a near-total ban on hunting and trapping across the province. The changes, detailed in amendments to the Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation under the Agricultural Pests Act, mark a dramatic shift from previous lax oversight and aim to halt the explosive spread of these invasive animals.

Wild boars first arrived in Alberta as exotic farm animals in the late 20th century, prized for their lean meat and rapid reproduction. But escapes from enclosures, intentional releases, and poor containment practices allowed them to establish feral populations across the Prairies, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Today, these adaptable omnivores—capable of breeding twice a year with litters of up to six piglets—are classified among the world's top 100 most destructive invasive species.  

Nocturnal and elusive, wild boars root up soil in search of food, devastating crops, native grasslands, and wetlands. Their wallowing habits pollute waterways, while their potential to carry devastating diseases like African swine fever threatens Canada's multibillion-dollar pork sector. Experts estimate populations in the thousands, with sightings reported in over 70% of Alberta's rural municipalities...

🦮 “Pet” Deer Found Wandering Around Pennsylvania Town Sparks Confusion. In West Cornwall Township, Pennsylvania, a startling incident unfolded on Saturday when an antlerless male deer bearing the word "pet" spray-painted in bright orange across both sides of its body was spotted wandering near a local business. The deer exhibited unusually tame behavior, approaching people and even lingering near a responding officer for about 45 minutes without fleeing, despite the activation of sirens. Described as "very friendly" and acting as if it wanted to be petted, the animal eventually wandered off unharmed.

A state game warden speculated that the deer might have been a former pet that outgrew its owners' intentions and was illegally released into the wild, with the spray paint possibly applied as a deterrent against hunters. Pennsylvania authorities stressed that possessing deer as pets is strictly illegal under state law, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission is investigating. Residents with any information are encouraged to call the commission's hotline at 833-742-4868.

🤦 Illegally-Kept Pet Buck Gores Woman in North Carolina. And in keeping with today’s pet-focused theme, a woman in Holy Ridge, NC learned the hard way that Bambi's got a mean streak after she was viciously attacked by a 3½-year-old white-tailed buck. While visiting an acquaintance's home to pick up a table, the victim was charged and gored, suffering puncture wounds to her shoulder and neck from the deer's antlers, plus scrapes and bruises from its hooves. The buck, illegally kept as a pet in a fenced yard for over three years after being captured as a fawn, sported an orange collar that did little to curb its wild instincts. Wildlife officials swiftly responded, citing the homeowner for the violation and euthanizing the deer to prevent further incidents.

Wildlife biologist April Boggs Pope drove home the dangers, warning that "a buck you raise may seem friendly, but whenever he gets to mating season, he might use those antlers against you," adding that these animals can inflict "serious damage" with their sharp hooves and rack. North Carolina law strictly prohibits keeping wild deer without permits, with penalties including fines or criminal charges.

📈 Yellowstone Grizzlies on Pace for Back-to-Back Record Death Years. In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem the death toll for the iconic grizzly bear is poised to shatter records yet again. As of December 7th, 71 grizzlies have been confirmed dead this year, with a total of 73 mortalities documented (including two possible holdovers from prior years), putting 2025 on pace to match or exceed the grim benchmark of 72 set in 2024. Leading causes include around 30 bears killed for preying on livestock such as cattle, sheep, and alpacas; at least eight struck by vehicles; seven slain by fellow grizzlies in territorial clashes; and 12 cases that remain under investigation. Human-related factors dominate, with additional deaths from bears euthanized near settlements due to aggression, garbage scavenging, or access to human food—highlighted by the most recent incident, an injured orphaned female cub put down on November 2 near Cody, Wyoming.

Experts are divided on the implications amid a population buoyed by federal Endangered Species protections. Wyoming Game and Fish's Dan Thompson insists the deaths aren't curbing growth, as new cubs continue to bolster numbers annually, urging a focus on births over fatalities. Yet conservationists warn the official count may be a gross underestimate—potentially double the reported figure, equating to over 10% of the population annually. But as human-related factors remain the driving force behind the slaughter, it looks like the idea of delisting continues to be the solution that will inevitably enable better state-led management.

😂 Until your catch gets dive-bombed from above. Watch as this fella suddenly has to fend of some competition while trying to have a calm afternoon out on the water.

GERONIMO!!!

Oh, and one more thing…