Search for feral pigs 'illegally released' in the Highlands continues

Experts believe a group of pigs seen roaming in the Highlands have been domesticated and are likely to have been illegally released.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority said the group was seen in an area between Insh and Glen Feshie on Monday with efforts to trap the pigs ongoing.

Forestry and Land Scotland believe the animals have been domesticated due to their behaviour and fear they could spread disease across other livestock in the area.

A corral trapping system has been set up with members of the public urged to stay away and report any sightings.

Forestry and Land Scotland North Region Area Wildlife manager Tom Cameron said: “FLS staff are currently on the ground working to locate and contain the pigs.

“From the behaviour and actions of the animals, it is apparent that these are domesticated pigs and the hope is we can live trap the group using a corral trapping system.

“It is important to contain the pigs. This is for their own welfare and because we don’t know their origin or whether there is the potential for them to spread any disease across domesticated livestock in the area.

“Once caught, FLS will take advice from NatureScot and Police Scotland on what to do with them.

Mr Cameron urged anyone who comes across the group to stay away from them and to get in touch to report the sighting.

Wild boars have been seen in the Highlands. STV News

Cairngorm National Park said the Park Authority is aware of the recent sightings.

A spokesperson said: “The park authority is working closely with partners – including NatureScot and Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) – to ascertain the full facts on the ground and FLS is currently attempting to trap the animals.

“The animals appear to be relatively domesticated and it is likely that this is an illegal release. The park authority condemns any illegal release of animals in the strongest possible terms.”

It comes after four lynx were captured in the Cairngorms after being illegally released near Kingussie at the beginning of the year.

The lynx were found to be tamed and “totally unsuitable for being out in the wild”.

Wild boars seen in the Highlands STV News

Mr Cameron urged anyone who comes across the group of pigs to stay away from them and to get in touch to report the sighting.

“As we work to confirm the exact location of the pigs, we are asking people to stay away from the area so the animals are not unduly stressed or startled.

“However, if anyone happens to come across the group please report the sighting location to our North Region office at enquiries.north@forestryandland.gov.scot .”

A spokesperson for NatureScot said: “We are aware of a number of sightings of feral pigs in the Insh area. Forestry and Land Scotland are leading on trapping these animals and we are liaising with partner agencies to ascertain the full circumstances of how they came to be in the area.

“We understand that Police Scotland has also been informed of the situation.”