Shooters called to defend land against wild boar boom

Farmers advised to kill animals causing nuisance in countryside

Landowners have been urged to take up arms to defend the Perthshire countryside against a worrying rise in wild boar numbers.

Farmers in the Alyth Hill area have been advised to shoot any feral pigs on their land.

The area has seen a population boom after several wild boars escaped from a local estate three years ago.

Now Scottish Natural Heritage has warned that unless action is taken, the boar population could spiral out of control.

It is estimated that there are between 20 and 40 wild pigs – a mix of wild and domestic creatures – in the area.

Forest Enterprise Scotland, which manages the land, says their cameratrap evidence suggests there are only one or two boars left in the area.

This may be because farmers have started culling the boar, although not always registering the kills, or that the animals have moved north, towards the Bridge of Cally area.

Around 30 people attended a public meeting hosted by SNH in Alyth.

Anecdotal evidence from landowners appeared to confirm that the pigs were on the move.

One woman, who lives near the Bamff Estate, said she often sees about a dozen pigs, and piglets, which cause major damage by rooting into the ground.

Local operations manager Gavin Clark said: “Nobody has been saying, ‘Oh, I love having these pigs around here, let’s keep them.’

“Everyone is of the opinion that the population will grow if it’s not controlled.”

He said landowners had responsibility for feral pigs on their property.

“While its encouraging to hear that the numbers on Alyth Hill are now low, we are concerned that the animals may have spread to new sites,” he added.

“We’re here to provide advice and coordination, if required, but I’d urge farmers, gamekeepers and other land managers to be alert and control any animals which appear to be on their land.

“Land managers should talk to their neighbours when they know pigs are around.

“Efforts need to be coordinated so that animals don’t just disperse further.”

Mr Clark assured that it was unlikely for members of the public to encounter such an animal.

“If you do see a feral pig, they’re likely to run away from you,” he said. “If they don’t, walk away slowly – don’t feed them and keep your dog on a lead.”