Giant wild boar have become so commonplace in east Perthshire an emergency meeting has been called to discuss a cull.
Farmers and gamekeepers have been taking steps to control numbers, with numerous animals thought to have been shot in recent years.
Nonetheless, the numbers are thought to be growing and their size and potential threat has led to the Scottish Government and Scottish Natural Heritage looking into the matter.
The government has ordered a special report on how best to tackle the issue, while SNH will hold a meeting in Alyth next month to allow the public to discuss their concerns and the potential for a cull.
SNH believes as many as 40 animals may be living in the Alyth area and though they are likely to run from humans, the boar are classified as dangerous wild animals.
Members of the public have been urged to keep a safe distance, particularly in spring when sows are carrying piglets.
Gavin Clark from SNH said: “We, along with Perth and Kinross Council, are asking people in the Alyth area to report any sightings of feral pigs that have been released or escaped from private collections.
“There have been some sightings on Alyth Hill and there may be between 20 and 40 animals, though information is limited.
“The council and SNH want to learn more about their numbers and their movements.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Government added: “We are working closely with SNH to gather information on the size and location of, and management options for, wild boar or feral pig populations in Scotland.”
SNH also has some simple advice for the public, with Mr Clark commenting: “If you do see a wild boar, they are likely to run away from you. If they don’t, walk away slowly.
“Don’t feed them and keep your dog on a lead.”
The wild boar menace
Farmers have raised concerns about the potential spread of disease from roaming feral animals to farm livestock.
In 2014, eight of the animals went on the run from the Bamff Estate near Alyth after a storm felled trees, damaging fencing on their 50-acre enclosure.
They added to the population already running wild and breeding on the Alyth Hills.
Landowners and gamekeepers have linked the animals to damaged fences, ruined grassland and crops and to a devastating impact upon ground nesting birds, whose eggs they may eat.
Wild boar populations can build swiftly, with each sow capable of producing 12 to 15 piglets a year.
Perthshire boasts a number of estates and farms well known nationally for their wild boar and the quality of the food products they produce.
Repeated escapes from some farms have caused consternation, however, with court proceedings resulting from action taken against some owners.
Perth and Kinross Council has banned at least one farmer from keeping the animals after a number of successful escapes by animals who are believed to have contributed to the large local feral population.
Members of the public are asked to notify any sightings to animal welfare staff at the council by calling their general enquiry line 01738 476476.
In addition, any animals that are shot should be tested for potentially dangerous parasites.
