Search is on in Cairngorms for 'trapped' golden eagle
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Gamekeepers are liaising with Police Scotland and assisting with searches to find a young eagle photographed in the Cairngorms with what appeared to be a trap attached to its leg.
Police Scotland issued a call for information, asking that anyone who spotted the bird - which was seen by tourists in Deeside on Thursday, August 8 ¬- to contact them.
Yesterday afternoon (Monday, August 12) local estates were in contact with officers and gamekeepers in the area started searching in the hope of locating the bird.
Lianne MacLennan, co-ordinator of Grampian Moorland Group, said: “Our group members want to do all they can to find the bird and started searching as soon as they heard.
“Clearly, its welfare is the primary concern.
“No one can know at this stage what has happened. The important thing is to find the bird so it can be treated, if required.”
Grampian Moorland Group gamekeepers also intend to contact Scottish Natural Heritage to offer any assistance.
A tourist took the photograph and passed it on to the RSPB who have serious concerns about the young bird’s welfare.
Police Scotland are appealing for information about the bird, which was last seen flying above Crathie on the other side of the Lecht.
Sergeant Kim Wood said: “Enquiries are ongoing in conjunction with our partner agencies including the RSPB.
“We would encourage anyone who has information which could help to locate this eagle to contact the Police on 101 or another relevant authority as soon as possible.”
