Wildlife officials have expressed their anger after an otter died when it got caught in an illegal trap.
The gruesome discovery was made by a member of the public at Loch Ken near Parton on Wednesday.
The animal was caught in a fyke net, which it is believed had been set to catch crayfish.
Loch Ken Trust ranger, Leanne Pumpr, said: “Here at Loch Ken Ranger service we’re angry at criminal activity damaging our wonderful wildlife.
“We’d ask everyone using Loch Ken to be vigilant and if you see any signs of unusual netting or fishing activity please report it to us at the ranger service or direct to the police.
“By working together, maybe we can stop this from happening.”
Wildlife crime liaison officer, PC John Cowan, said: “It is illegal to set a fyke net or attempt to catch crayfish without a license which can put other local wildlife at risk.
“Otters will enter these nets to take advantage of an easy meal and can become trapped and drown, which is sadly what happened in this instance.
“If you have any information on the net or anything else you think might be relevant, please contact police via 101, quoting incident 2743 of June 28.”
