Illegal Release of Feral Pigs in Cairngorms Sparks Concerns Over 'Guerrilla Rewilding'

Authorities captured and culled the animals, citing risks to local ecosystems, livestock, and public safety.

Eight domesticated feral pigs were illegally released in the Uath Lochans area of Cairngorms National Park and later humanely culled by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS).
The release has been linked to a suspected trend of 'guerrilla rewilding,' following a similar illegal release of lynx in the same region last month.
Local farmers and land managers expressed concerns over the risks of disease transmission, damage to crops, and threats to livestock posed by the released animals.
The Scottish Gamekeepers Association and other rural organizations criticized the illegal actions as reckless, urging authorities to prevent further unauthorized releases.
The Scottish Government reiterated its opposition to reintroducing large carnivorous species and emphasized the importance of following legal and collaborative processes for rewilding initiatives.