Biosecurity experts have praised the quick thinking of a Lawson resident after removing a large feral pig from the Mid Mountains village on April 27.
Steve Clarke and his wife Tania were shocked when they woke to find their usually pristine backyard destroyed overnight.
"The garden was desecrated, hundreds of dollars' worth of tulips had been destroyed and heavy paving stones smashed," Mr Clarke said.
"We didn't know what it was until we checked our home cameras, that's when we saw the pig which must've weighed more than 50 kilos. It was really dangerous."
Mr Clarke contacted the Greater Sydney Local Land Services biosecurity team with officer Jacob French on site the next day.
"He was very professional and took his job very seriously," Mr Clarke said.
Mr French started by leaving feed out for the pig overnight before setting up a trap the next day.
"We caught it the first night which is an excellent result and such a relief," he said.
"Feral pigs are dangerous, potentially carry serious diseases for livestock, domestic animals and humans, we don't want them roaming our streets."
Mr French praised the couple's quick thinking and urged other residents experiencing serious issues to do the same.
"We rely on landholders, the community and public land managers to report attacks on livestock, sightings and other potential impacts from pest animals and are available to provide advice and assistance where ever possible," he said.
"Feral pigs are particularly active at this time of year because of the abundance of feed available."
Twelve hazard reductions planned
Mountains residents can expect more smoky days as the autumn hazard reduction season continues.
Several burns were held last week - with a large one focused near Bulls Camp in Woodford. Another burn, causing much of the smoke, started at Linden Creek on Saturday with about 1,000 hectares set to burn. Visibility issues were expected on the Great Western Highway. Two further burns were expected to start on Monday (at Little Crater and Diggers Creek) in Blue Mountains National Park.
People with asthma, or those susceptible to respiratory problems, are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors. All park and trail closures will be listed on the National Parks and Wildlife Service Alerts website.
The Linden Creek burn is one of 12 hazard reductions the NPWS has planned in the Blue Mountains National Park this autumn. For more details on hazard reductions check the Rural Fire Service "Fires near me" app.
