State wildlife agencies are hosting a public forum about wild boar in California
Due to ongoing concerns about feral pigs in California and the damage they cause, the California Fish and Game Commission and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will host a virtual public forum to discuss related issues and possible solutions to treat and reduce them to investigate problems.
The forum is scheduled for Thursday 22 September from 9am to 1pm and will be open to the public via the Zoom link. Anyone interested in this important discussion should visit the Commission’s website (fgc.ca.gov/meetings/2022) to learn how to join the forum.”
“The Commission and CDFW have heard and understood the public’s concerns about wild boar in California,” said Vice President Erika Zavaleta, Chair of the Commission’s Wildlife Resources Committee. “Living with non-native, invasive species like wild boar can be challenging for humans and other wildlife. This forum is an opportunity to learn more about these challenges and to discuss how we can face this reality together.”
This public opportunity is intended to stimulate broader discussion about feral pigs in California by presenting a scientific framework that encourages open and respectful discussion, educating one another about feral pig issues, and testing possible solutions with various experts in the field. Adaptive and integrated strategies will be necessary to address concerns.
“One of the great things about the state of California is the abundance of open areas, natural habitats and diverse wildlife,” said Scott Gardner, director of the CDFW Wildlife Branch. “But some non-native species, when introduced, can become prolific and destructive over time. We look forward to meaningful dialogue with residents, hunters and anyone with an interest – or concern – about wild boar in our state so we can work together on strategies to mitigate some of the issues.”
The forum will include two panel discussions, one focusing on issues and concerns related to feral pigs in California (including animal health, wildlife health, ecosystem health and economic impacts) and the second on possible solutions to the identified issues.
CDFW file photo of a wild boar.
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Media contacts:
Melissa Miller-Henson, California Fish and Game Commission, (916) 208-4447
Kirsten Macintyre, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714
