Police are appealing for information after a protected golden eagle released in the Scottish Borders in February was found with shotgun injuries. Scans and treatment revealed four-year-old Squeagle had been shot and had at least 17 shotgun pellets lodged in her body and wings.
Discovery and Treatment
Police said Squeagle was moved from the Outer Hebrides to the Lammermuir Hills in the Borders in early this year. After her release, Squeagle travelled through parts of northern England, including Northumberland, the Pennines and the Yorkshire Dales. A photograph taken in Northumberland on May 4 showed significant damage to her wing feathers. On June 1, gamekeepers on an estate in the Lammermuirs became concerned after noticing the bird behaving unusually. Squeagle was collected and taken to the Scottish SPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre at Fishcross for assessment.
Injuries and Recovery
Experts believe the injuries were not recent, as the wounds had already healed by the time she was taken in. Following treatment by veterinary specialists, Squeagle was released back into the wild on June 6. Her condition will continue to be monitored through observations and satellite tracking.
Police Appeal
Detective Sergeant David Lynn, national wildlife crime co-ordinator, said: “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.”
Background on Golden Eagles
Golden eagles are a “rare bird of the mountains and moorlands of Scotland”, according to the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The birds are strictly protected under UK and Scottish law, and it is a crime to intentionally kill or injure them. However, the NatureScot website said perceived conflicts between golden eagles and people’s use of the uplands have caused the bird to be “heavily persecuted” for many decades. In February, police were investigating after a golden eagle named Hamlet was shot in the south of Scotland. He made a full recovery despite being wounded by shotgun pellets to its wing. In October 2023, a golden eagle called Merrick went missing from its usual hunting grounds across southern Scotland and northern England. Police later said they believed the female raptor had been shot.
Ongoing Investigation
In the case of Squeagle, police said inquiries remain ongoing. “We are working alongside our colleagues in Northumberland, Durham, Cumbria and North Yorkshire, supported by the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, to establish who was responsible,” Mr Lynn said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland, quoting incident number 1361 of June 5.
