POLICE have launched a probe after an osprey was found illegally shot in a Scottish glen.
The bird of prey was found “in distress” by a gamekeeper in the Glen Doll area, in the southern part of the Cairngorms National Park, on August 12.
The SSPCA attended and took the osprey to the wildlife resource centre in Fishcross for treatment. However, it had to be euthanised due to the severity of its injuries.
Following further investigations, X-rays revealed the osprey had been shot and Police Scotland was contacted.
Ospreys had been pushed to the brink of extinction in Scotland by the early 1900s, but made a comeback in the latter half of the century. Today, between 250 and 300 breeding pairs are in the country, according to government agency NatureScot.
Like other protected species, it is illegal to kill an osprey in Scotland.
Police in Perthshire are appealing for anyone with information on what happened to contact them.
Detective Constable Daniel Crilley, from the wildlife crime investigation unit, said: “It’s illegal to kill any protected species and we’re working with partner agencies to fully investigate the circumstances.
“Information from the local community is vital and I’d ask anyone who was in the area around August 12 and thinks they may have information which could assist our enquiries to come forward.
“We’re keen to speak to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or has information about shooting activity in the area.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1671 of August 26. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
