A nuisance to the picturesque West Lake in east China's Zhejiang Province, a big wild boar, was shot dead Thursday by local police after more than one week's chase.

Last Thursday, Fu Guozhong, 66, was attacked by a huge boar while taking a walk in a small valley near the West Lake.

"It looked ferocious, black all over, about one meter long and almost 100 km heavy," said Fu. "It knocked me over twice and I had no idea of what was going on."

The wild boar bit Fu on his bottom, leaving a cigarette-long wound.

Just two days before Fu was attacked, two big boars and four younger ones were seen run through the valley close to the densely-populated downtown area.

The beasts have damaged both plants and facilities. They have aroused panic among the local residents and the attraction of the scenic beauty has also abated.

"They may come down from the suburban mountains for more food," said a caretaker of the scenic spot. "The West Lake is a national-level scenic spot and hunting is strictly prohibited here."

A few days ago, the animal was reported to have turned up near the hills in the lake area. Two policemen immediately got to the spot and reported to superior authority.

Four more policemen arrived with a submachine gun and a pistol and shot the beast, killing it.

Additional policemen will be sent to the boar-haunted area to protect the locals' safety, said an official in charge of the scenic spot.

(Xinhua News Agency December 23, 2005)