Eight feral pigs were illegally released in Cairngorms National Park and later humanely killed by authorities.
FLS stated that releasing feral pigs is illegal. It can hurt habitats, wildlife, and livestock and even harm the pigs themselves. Feral pigs cause problems in Scotland, where the government wants land managers to control them. This protects agriculture and the environment.
The pigs were moved to an FLS location. Vets and Police Scotland gave expert advice, after which they were humanely killed.
A gamekeeping group wants decisive action to prevent more “guerrilla rewilding.” This occurred after the pigs’ release. The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) called it selfish, saying it risked animal welfare. It also posed a risk to livestock and people.
Four lynx were also illegally released last month, one of which died after being caught. The SGA feels the pig release is “guerrilla rewilding.” People frustrated with official processes may be behind it.
Rewilding is a popular idea now, and some people may be impatient. They may not like the usual reintroduction steps.
These steps include talking to locals, like farmers, who should have the final say as they will live with the results. Authorities must act if these steps aren’t followed. This prevents “guerrilla rewilding” becoming common in Scotland.
The SGA said the government enabled illegal releases by failing to act after beavers were released illegally in 2001. The government protected those beavers and those in the 2009 trial, setting a bad example.
It is unknown if the pig and lynx releases are linked. The park authority said the pigs seemed tame, suggesting an illegal release. The park strongly condemns any illegal animal release, and Scottish Land and Estates also criticized the pigs’ release greatly.
The Scottish Government said releasing animals illegally is a risk, affecting welfare, farmers, landowners, and communities. The government also stated that they won’t reintroduce large carnivores.