CCC says Bottle Lake Forest pig problem under control

Friday, 13 September 2019

Pigs at night in the Omahu Reserve on Christchurch's Port Hills.

The battle of Bottle Lake Forest appears over.

An influx of wild pigs several months ago has been stopped in its tracks, according to the Christchurch City Council.

Walkers in Bottle Lake Forest. The Christchurch City Council says it has controlled an influx of wild pigs and had been concerned hunters might take matters into their own hands in such a busy recreational reserve (file photo).

The council said it did not know how many pigs were marauding through the popular recreational forest at the peak of the recent porcine incursion.

However, council's head ranger for coastal and plains region, Robbie Hewson, said the job was 'down to chasing the last few'.

Wild pigs on the back of a ute on the main street in Reefton (file photo).

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The council had shot the majority of the feral pigs, but would not say how many.

Hewson said public safety had been a major concern for the council, especially the risk that hunters might be attracted to the forest and take things into their own hands.

'It's dangerous for hunters to be in there. Bottle Lake is so busy, with all the bikers and walkers.'

A police spokeswoman confirmed to Stuff there had been an incident at Bottle Lake last Saturday morning.

'Police attended a report received around 10.30am … of three men who appeared to be carrying a rifle and possibly going pig hunting.

'It appeared on arrival that it was in fact a crossbow, not a rifle. Police spoke to the group, who appeared to be leaving the area,' she said.

City councillor David East said the community had been aware of a Bottle Lake invasion of pigs several months ago.

'I've had no reports of anyone concerned about hearing shots though.'

Hewson said wild pigs could wander for miles.

'Pigs are a nuisance in places with high biodiversity values, but Bottle Lake is not one of those.'

The council's head of parks, Andrew Rutledge, said no complaints had been received about hunters or firearms being discharged in the forest.

'Control has been factored into the park's pest-control programme. Monitoring is in place for when these animals roam on to council reserves.

'Council staff are in regular communication with police on this issue, who are assisting to monitor any potential illegal hunting.'

The threat to people in the area had been low, 'but they should be avoided if seen'.