Something is terrorizing the Scottish area of Loch Ness. And it’s not the Loch Ness monster! Nope, these monsters live on land, and they come in the form of wild boars.​​

After being hunted until they were close to extinction, the boars have made a comeback. That’s not welcome news for the residents of the hills around Loch Ness. The boars are destroying the locals’ lawns as they use their snouts to dig up the dirt, searching for roots to eat. ​​

Roots aren’t the only things that the boars are hunting. They also eat small animals like lambs, baby deer, and pheasants. They occasionally hunt people’s pets. ​

The giant creatures have caused multiple car accidents on the roads around the lake. The boars weigh 150-300 pounds and can run up to 30 miles per hour. Getting into a crash with one can ruin a car and be dangerous for a driver.​

Wild boars were originally native to Scotland. In the 13th century, they were hunted until there were few to none left in the country. In the 20th century, people brought continental European boars back to Scotland. They lived on estates around the area. At some point, those captive boars escaped. They have now created a flourishing wild boar population in Scotland, numbering in the thousands. ​​

Though many people agree that the boars are a nuisance, some like them. Environmental groups say they are good for the ecosystem. They turn over the dirt, which allows new plants to grow. ​

Whether loved or hated, boars are back in Scotland. Beware! You’re more likely to encounter one of them than you are to see the Loch Ness monster. ​​