A specialist team is working to trap several feral pigs that are on the loose in the Cairngorms National Park.
The park authority confirmed on Monday it had launched a search for the animals it believes have been illegally released.
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) crews are being assisted by NatureScot to track down and trap the feral pigs in the Insh area.
The institution has warned the public to “stay away” from the area while the operation is ongoing.
FLS shared an update on Tuesday afternoon to confirm the pigs have been located.
However, work is still ongoing to safely trap them.
‘Stay away’ warning
Tom Cameron, north region area wildlife manager for FLS, said: “Staff have located the pigs and are now working to contain them.
“As we work to do this, we are asking anyone not involved with the operation to stay away from the area so trained staff can do their job and the animals are not unduly stressed or startled.
“From their behaviour, it is apparent that these are domesticated pigs and the hope is we can live trap the group using a corral trapping system.
“Once caught, FLS will take advice from NatureScot and Police Scotland on what to do with them.
“It is important to contain the pigs. This is for their own welfare and because we don’t know their origin or whether there is the potential for them to spread any disease across domesticated livestock in the area.”
Unanswered questions as feral pigs released in the Cairngorms
A NatureScot spokesperson said: “We are aware of a number of sightings of feral pigs in the Insh area.
“Forestry and Land Scotland are leading on trapping these animals.
“We are liaising with partner agencies to ascertain the full circumstances of how they came to be in the area.
“We understand that Police Scotland has also been informed of the situation.”
Anyone who comes across the feral pigs is encouraged to report the sighting at enquiries.north@forestryandland.gov.scot
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