Fearless pig saves animals from bear attack

Jul 31, 2023

Barbie is going viral on social media, but it’s not the Barbie you think!

A pig, named Barbie-Q, is gaining popularity for its heroic standoff with a black bear.

Owners, Crystal and Brandon Walls, were away from their farm in East Sooke, British Columbia, but hurried back when they got word that a fence had been breached by a bear. When they got back and watched security camera footage, they witnessed Barbie-Q saving the day.

A black bear had made its way into the enclosure with their livestock. While all the animals fled to safety, Barbie stayed to protect the area.

Camera footage shows Barbie charging and the black bear running a few steps away. Barbie herded the other animals back into safety and guarded the area for 30 minutes until the bear left.

Click here to see more...

Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.