Agencies working together to recapture Badenoch boars
The Cairngorms National Park Authority has condemned what seems to be have been the illegal release of wild boars near Kingussie last night.
In a statement this evening a spokesperson said on behalf of the board: “We are aware that feral pigs have been spotted in an area of the Cairngorms National Park near Uath Lochans.”
They confirmed that the park authority is working closely with partners – including NatureScot and Forestry and Land Scotland – to ascertain the full facts on the ground and Forestry and Land Scotland 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.”
The Royal Zoological Society, which owns Kincraig’s Highland Wildlife Park and helped to recapture last month’s lynx, told the Strathy that they were not involved in this particular issue.
A spokesperson told the Strathy: “We're aware of the animals but as you say, they aren't ours - we're pointing anyone who gets in touch towards Police Scotland for this.
“We've not been asked to help.”
Following confirmation from the Cairngorms National Park Authority that feral pigs had been spotted in an area near Uath Lochans, near Insh, Speyside, Scottish Land & Estates have released their own statement.
Ross Ewing, director of moorland at Scottish Land & Estates, said: "This appears to be a reckless and illegal act which demonstrates a total disregard for both animal welfare and the wider environment.
"We saw the tragic consequences of last month’s illegal lynx release, which resulted in the death of one of the animals. Those responsible for these incidents show little concern for the welfare of the species they release or the serious impacts they could have.
“Anyone with information about this incident should contact Police Scotland by calling 101.
