3 May 2004

Greater Wellington on trail of Karori pigs

Greater Wellington Regional Council has been on the trail of approximately 10 wild pigs on Karori’s Wright’s Hill after nearby residents reported sightings of the pigs and damage to their gardens.

Greater Wellington biosecurity officers have already caught and destroyed a 60 kg sow and one piglet. A pig trap has been set for the remaining pigs, believed to be one boar and seven piglets. The last sighting of the pigs was Thursday night near Burrows Avenue.

According to Greater Wellington biosecurity officer Ken Wright, tracking and capturing pigs in an urban environment has numerous challenges. “We need to constantly keep in mind the proximity of houses and residents and work in a way that ensures their safety at all times. As well as this, the area around Wright’s Hill is very steep and densely covered in scrub, making access difficult.”

The pigs are believed to have come from Wellington’s south coast. “If the pigs are sighted, keep well away and contact Wellington City Council. Although the pigs are unlikely to attack a human, they may do so if cornered or threatened. It is illegal for the public to hunt pigs in this area,” said Mr Wright.

ENDS

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