Hunting for 'illegally released' wild boars in the Highlands.
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A wild boar looks at the camera. It has a long snout and dark brown fur. Other pigs stand behind it and look around. They are in a holding pattern. Getty Images
Rangers are trying to catch wild boars that may have been released illegally in the Cairngorms. The Cairngorms National Park Authority said the pigs were spotted on Monday near the Uath Lochans area of the Highland Park, which is close to the small community of Insh.
It said they appeared to have been illegally dumped and that staff were trying to capture the "relatively tame" animals.
The pigs were spotted about five kilometres from where four lynxes were illegally released into the park last month.
The big cats were successfully captured, but one died shortly afterwards.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) said they were highly stressed after being abandoned in a new and "extremely challenging" environment. A spokesperson for the park authority said on social media: "We are aware that wild boars have been seen in an area of the Cairngorms National Park near Uath Lochans.
"The park authority is working closely with partners – including NatureScot and Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) – to verify all facts on the ground and FLS is currently attempting to trap the animals.
"The animals appear to be relatively domesticated and it is likely that this was an illegal release." The park authority condemns any illegal release of animals in the strongest possible terms."
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"Reckless and unlawful action"
The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK, covering 4,527km² and comprising parts of five local authorities – Aberdeenshire, Angus, Highland, Moray and Perth and Kinross.
Scottish Land and Estates (SLE), which supports rural businesses, condemned the "reckless" post and urged anyone with information to contact police. Ross Ewing, director of SLE, said: "This is a reckless and illegal act that shows a complete disregard for the welfare of animals and the wider environment.
"We have seen the tragic consequences of the illegal release of lynx last month, which resulted in the death of one of the animals.
"Those responsible for these incidents have little regard for the welfare of the species they are releasing or the serious consequences they can have."
Last year, wild boar herds were reported to be running out of control in the Great Glen in the Highlands.
The animals have been accused of killing sheep and damaging pastures on farms and ranches.
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Views from the forest show Great Glen wild boars roaming through the trees
This has prompted calls for a reduction in the number of pigs, which include escapees and others who have been illegally released into the wild. There are thought to be several thousand animals in Scotland.
A NatureScot spokesman said: "We are aware of a number of sightings of wild boar in the Insh area.
"FLS is responsible for the capture of these animals and we are working with partner agencies to establish the exact circumstances of their arrival in the region."
NatureScot added that Police Scotland had been informed of the situation but that the police were not currently involved.
Police Scotland's investigation into the illegal release of the lynx is ongoing.
The three surviving cats are being cared for at the RZSS Zoo in Edinburgh. To assist the police investigation, the RZSS said no details were provided regarding the sex of the lynx or whether they were microchipped.
Regarding the lynx investigation, Police Scotland said: "Investigations are ongoing and any updates will be published proactively on our website, social media channels and as a press release.