Public urged to report animal sightings

People in Perthshire are being asked to report sightings of wild boar amid concerns their numbers are getting out of control.

Two years ago an Alyth farmer was banned from keeping boar after it emerged several animals had escaped his farm in 2007, 2011, 2012 and 2014.

Now Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) believes there could be up to 40 animals living on Alyth Hill, which is only about a mile from the centre of the town.

And there are thought to be around 1000 living in Scotland due to illegal releases and other escapes.

SNH is holding a meeting in Alyth next month to let the public raise their concerns about the animals and also discuss a possible cull to bring their numbers under control.

The Scottish Government has also asked the group to prepare a special report on how best to tackle the growing problem.

Gavin Clark, SNH’s Tayside and Grampian operations manager, warned ahead of next month’s meeting: “If you do see a wild boar, they’re likely to run away from you.

“If they don’t, walk away slowly - don’t feed them and keep your dog on a lead.

“We, along with Perth and Kinross Council, are asking people in the Alyth area to report any sightings of feral pigs which have been released or escaped from private collections.

“There have been some sightings on Alyth Hill, and there may be between 20 and 40 animals, but information is limited.

“The council and SNH want to learn more about their numbers and movements.”

A Scottish government spokesman commented: “We are working closely with SNH to gather information on the size and location of, and management options for, wild boar or feral pig populations in Scotland.

“We look forward to receiving their final report imminently and will give its findings careful consideration.”

Members of the public are being asked to report any sightings of boar to the council’s animal welfare team