Illegal Release of Feral Pigs Sparks Concern in Cairngorms National Park
Park rangers in Cairngorms National Park are working to capture a group of feral pigs that are believed to have been illegally released near the Uath Lochans area in the Scottish Highlands.
The pigs were spotted on Monday near the small community of Insh, just five miles from where four lynx were illegally released last month. While the big cats were successfully captured, one tragically died soon after due to the stress of being abandoned in a harsh environment.
Authorities suspect the pigs, described as “relatively domesticated,” were intentionally abandoned. Staff from Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) are using live traps to contain the animals, while NatureScot and the Cairngorms National Park Authority investigate the circumstances of their release.
Condemnation of Illegal Animal Releases
The Cairngorms National Park Authority strongly condemned the incident. A spokesperson stated:
“We are working closely with partners—including NatureScot and Forestry and Land Scotland—to ascertain the full facts on the ground. The park authority condemns any illegal release of animals in the strongest possible terms.”
Scottish Land and Estates (SLE), which represents rural businesses, also denounced the act. Ross Ewing, director of moorland at SLE, warned of the dangers posed by such reckless actions:
“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.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the police.
Growing Concerns Over Feral Pigs in Scotland
The illegal release of animals in Scotland is becoming a growing concern. Last year, feral pig populations were reported to be out of control in the Great Glen, where they were blamed for killing sheep and damaging crofts and farmland. It is estimated that several thousand feral pigs now roam across Scotland, including escapees and illegally released animals.
Tom Cameron of Forestry and Land Scotland stressed that such releases must stop:
“We don’t want people to think that the Cairngorms, or anywhere in Scotland, is a suitable place for illegally releasing or abandoning animals.”
NatureScot confirmed that Police Scotland had been informed of the potentially illegal release of the feral pigs, though there is currently no active police involvement. Meanwhile, investigations into the illegal lynx release remain ongoing, with three surviving cats now under the care of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland at Edinburgh Zoo.
Police Scotland stated:
“Inquiries are ongoing, and any update will be issued proactively on our website, social media channels, and as a press release.”
As authorities continue to investigate, conservationists and wildlife experts are calling for stricter enforcement to prevent further illegal releases and to protect Scotland’s delicate ecosystems.