Young golden eagle suddenly vanishes near posh Scots hunting estates

A young golden eagle with a satellite tag has mysteriously disappeared in an area known for wildlife crimes near posh hunting estates in Scotland. The bird, hatched in Tayside in 2022, vanished in the Angus Glens, a region notorious for illegal bird of prey persecution. Wildlife investigators suspect foul play, believing the eagle was killed and its tag destroyed after it stopped transmitting in May. This incident adds to a series of crimes against birds of prey in Scotland, including a golden eagle found dismembered near Stirling, and the shooting of another eagle named Merrick in the Borders last year.

The Angus Glens, dominated by grouse moors, have been identified as hotspots for wildlife persecution. Despite efforts by authorities, no trace of the missing eagle or its tag has been found. Will Hayward, RSPB Scotland Senior Investigations Officer, expressed concern over the pattern of tagged birds disappearing near grouse moors, indicating human interference. Similar instances include the disappearance of a hen harrier and the shooting of an osprey in the same region.

It is a criminal offence to kill birds of prey in Scotland, with potential fines and imprisonment for offenders. Recent legislation allows grouse moors to lose their operating licence if illegal activities occur. However, wildlife campaigners question the effectiveness of these laws in curbing such cruel killings. Additional cases in 2024 involve a buzzard shot in Perthshire and a red kite poisoned with a banned pesticide in Sutherland.

Authorities urge the public to report any suspicious incidents involving birds of prey to Police Scotland or the RSPB. The ongoing threats to these majestic creatures highlight the need for continued vigilance and stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws.

In conclusion, the disappearance of the young golden eagle near hunting estates in Scotland underscores the ongoing challenges of protecting birds of prey from illegal persecution. Despite efforts to safeguard these endangered species, more needs to be done to prevent such tragic incidents and hold perpetrators accountable. Wildlife crimes must be taken seriously, and stricter enforcement of laws is crucial to ensure the safety and preservation of Scotland’s precious wildlife heritage.