Boar wars as pigs go on the run!
By Jenna MacCulloch
Highland News: Published: 10 March, 2011

A VILLAGE has been invaded by hungry wild boar scavenging in gardens in their hunt for food.

The large bristly haired pigs, which are ancestors of farmyard pigs, have been destroying gardens by knocking down fences and eating plants and flowers.

Groups of the rampaging boars, which by nature root up ground for food, have churned up many lawns and various grassy areas.

Now there are fears they could pose a danger to motorists by wandering onto a nearby busy trunk road popular with bikers.

Kenneth Clark, who has lived in the area for 40 years, said the boars are growing in number and are causing havoc in Invermoriston.

He said: "It was quite surprising to see the wild boar at first, but now they have become pests.

"I've got a gate at the front of my garden, and it's not easy for them to get into. But my neighbour across the roads has had all his carrots stolen and eaten. The boar have also eaten his sage bush, among other plants."

Mr Clark said around eight or nine boar have been spotted together in gardens.

He said: "We've never had this problem before and I've got no idea where they've come from.

"There must be someone who breeds them somewhere, but they are causing damage. It would be good if someone could herd them up and take them away."

Mr Clark said sometimes the wild pigs, which have sharp tusks, venture onto the busy A82 road.

He said: "In the good weather we get a lot of motorcyclists on that road and I would think the boar could be a danger if they venture on the road, and nobody would like to see that happen."

Ray Collier, Highland News wildlife columnist, believes the wild boar will have escaped from a breeder who must be located nearby.

He said: "Anybody keeping wild boar must have obtained a licence from the local council. There have been other instances where wild boar have escaped from farms and thrived.

"If the boar are being well fed, they can breed and multiply. However, due to their size and eating habits, they can cause a lot of damage, especially to residents' gardens.

"The climate and the conditions of Scotland tend to suit the wild boar and they thrive in the countryside."

However, not everyone in Invermoriston wants the boars removed. Villager Sandra Steel thinks they should be left in peace.

She said: "I think the reason they may be foraging around the village is the time of year. Hopefully they will move further into the wilderness.

"It was a surprise to see them at first but I really hope they will be left in peace."

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