Golden eagle discovered with multiple shotgun pellets
Police are investigating the shooting of a golden eagle that was found to have at least 17 shotgun pellets embedded in its body and wings.
The bird, which survived the shooting, had been released earlier this year in the Lammermuir Hills in the Scottish Borders as part of an innovative project aimed at increasing golden eagle populations in southern Scotland.
Squeagle, a four-year-old female golden eagle, is fitted with a tracking tag that recorded her movements through Northumberland, the Pennines, and the Yorkshire Dales.
A photograph taken on 4 May in Northumberland showed damage to her feathers before she was collected on 1 June back in the Lammermuir Hills and taken to the Scottish SPCA for assessment and treatment.
Scans and treatment revealed that the bird had been shot and had at least 17 shotgun pellets lodged in her body and wings.
Experts believe the injuries were not recent, as the wounds had already healed by the time of examination.
Investigation and response
Detective Sergeant David Lynn, national wildlife crime co-ordinator, condemned the attack on the protected bird of prey.
"This was a serious attack on a protected bird of prey which I utterly condemn.
Thanks to the quick actions of those who reported concerns, the golden eagle was able to receive specialist treatment and has since been returned to the wild.
We are working with partners across Scotland and northern England to establish where and when she was shot."
He added that the bird's condition will continue to be monitored and that authorities are collaborating with colleagues in Northumberland, Durham, Cumbria, and North Yorkshire.
Conservation project and community reaction
The project to increase golden eagle numbers in southern Scotland is led by the charity Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) and has seen positive results with the birds thriving.
However, the initiative has faced challenges including shootings and disappearances of birds.
Dumfriesshire farmer Michael Clarke, chair of the group, expressed relief that Squeagle survived but strongly condemned the act of persecution.
"While we are relieved that Squeagle has survived, and is soaring high in southern skies thanks to the efforts of the rescuing gamekeepers, the Scottish SPCA and our eagle officer, John, we utterly condemn this act of persecution.
This abhorrent wildlife crime was clearly committed by an individual or individuals who consider themselves above the law.
Whoever is responsible for this, and anyone who seeks to excuse or conceal it, should reflect on the immense damage their actions cause to wildlife, the efforts of land managers, farmers, conservationists and local communities, and the future of golden eagles in the UK."
Call for public assistance
Ross Ewing, director of moorland and strategic projects at the landowners' organisation Scottish Land and Estates, urged anyone with information to come forward.
He also acknowledged the efforts of gamekeepers in the Lammermuirs who raised the alarm upon noticing the bird's distress.
Authorities have requested that anyone with information contact the police.
Related information
Further coverage includes a report on a golden eagle that died after a 'territorial combat' with another bird.
