After two weeks of intensive searching, the hunt to confirm the sighting of two rogue stoats on Aotea/Great Barrier Island is to be scaled back.

Two biosecurity dogs were dispatched to the island early in the search and have been on the hunt since without confirming a presence.

“While this is good news and a relief, it’s a stark reminder to locals and visitors to the island, the importance of checking gear and goods on their boats and in their cars for stowaways. Stoats are a serious threat and any incursion, while always a possibility, would be devastating to the island’s native bird life. Vigilance is key to keeping our islands pest free,” say Jonathan Miles, Auckland Councils Incident Controller.

Read the full media release here OurAuckland

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