Dunedin mountain bikers have had to deal with a new hazard on the city’s tracks.
Wild pigs have damaged tracks in the Nicols Creek and Swampy Summit area, forcing their closure while contractors head in to do some pest control.
Council parks and recreation biodiversity officer Aalbert Rebergen said tracks would be closed on weekdays for up to two weeks from next Monday while that happened.
He said the work was urgent because the pigs had badly damaged tracks by digging and rooting with their snouts.
The resulting damage made it dangerous for riders.
"It’s been damaged twice now and the mountain bikers have been asking for some assistance."
Dealing with the problem was not easy, as the track was close to the city, which made hunting safely more difficult.
Mr Rebergen said the council decided to engage a contractor to do the work.
The safest thing was to close the area while the contractor was there.
He said while he was not an expert on the matter, he was aware there were wild pigs around Dunedin.
Pig damage had also been seen on the road between Orokonui and Waitati.
"There are definitely pigs out there."
There was anecdotal evidence they were spreading.
"It’s definitely an issue."
The only council land where regular control was done was Mt Watkin, inland from Waikouaiti.
Recreational hunting on non-council land also helped control the pigs.
"We’re hoping this is a one-off."
Mr Rebergen said signs would be installed on tracks to warn the public to keep out.
The area would remain open at weekends.
If good progress was made, the tracks may be opened earlier.
