Golden eagle shot 17 times after it was released in conservation project
Police are continuing their investigation into the shooting of the golden eagle, which was found with at least 17 pellets stuck in its body.
The bird, which survived the incident, was released into the Lammermuir Hills in the Scottish Borders earlier this year as part of a pioneering project to increase numbers in southern Scotland.
The four-year-old female Squeagle has been fitted with a tag indicating that she has traveled through the Northumberland, Pennines and Yorkshire Valleys.
A photograph taken in Northumberland on May 4 showed damage to its feathers before game wardens in Lammermuirs noticed the bird was suffering and alerted the charity behind the conservation project.
He was collected on 1 June and taken to the Scottish SPCA for assessment and treatment.
Scans and treatment revealed that the bird had been shot and at least 17 shotgun pellets were found in its body and wings.
Experts think the injuries are not new because the wounds have already healed.
National Wildlife Crime Coordinator Det Sgt David Lynn said: “This was a serious attack on a protected bird of prey and I absolutely condemn it.
“Thanks to the rapid response of those who raised concerns, the golden eagle was able to receive specialist treatment and was later returned to the wild.
“We are working with our partners in Scotland and Northern England to establish where and when it was shot.”
He said the bird’s condition would continue to be monitored and they were working with colleagues in Northumberland, Durham, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
A project to increase golden eagle numbers in southern Scotland is being run by the charity Restoring Highland Nature (RUN) and is seeing the birds thrive.
However, there were some disruptions due to armed attacks and disappearances.
Dumfriesshire farmer Michael Clarke, who chairs the group, said: “Whilst we are delighted that Squeagle has survived and is soaring high in the southern skies thanks to the efforts of rescue game wardens, the Scottish SPCA and our eagle officer John, we fully condemn this cruelty.
“It is clear that this heinous wildlife crime was committed by a person or persons who consider themselves above the law.
“Whoever is responsible for this, and anyone who wishes to excuse or conceal it, should consider the massive damage their actions are causing to wildlife, the efforts of land managers, farmers, conservationists and local communities, and the future of golden eagles in the UK.”
Ross Ewing, moorland and strategic projects director at landowners organization Scottish Land and Estates, urged anyone with information to come forward.
He said it was “right to recognize” the actions of game wardens at the Lammermuirs who were alarmed to see the bird in distress.
Everyone with knowledge was asked contact the police.
