“They are very tough,” Steuber said. “Not much messes with a 300-pound sow with big tusks sticking out.”

In addition to the physical damage they can cause to habitat by rooting and feeding, feral swine are also known to carry 89 bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases that can be transferred to livestock, wildlife, and humans — everything from swine brucellosis to swine fever and salmonellosis.

Crafty

Hunting has proven to do little to halt the species' spread. Once threatened by hunters, the wild pigs may become nocturnal. They are also incredibly good at hiding, even burrowing under the snow to create “pigloos.”

Although hunters may imagine them as bacon on hooves, wild pigs are leaner than farm-raised ones, since they are more active. That means the belly meat traditionally used for bacon may not be as marbled with fat.

Bait and trail cameras are the best tools for hunters, according to Ryan Brook, an associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan. He posted tips on the Saskatchewan Wild Boar Hunting Facebook page.