A golden eagle has been discovered with 17 shotgun pellets lodged in its body after being released in the Scottish Borders as part of a translocation project.
Eagle's journey and discovery of injuries
Squeagle, a four-year-old female golden eagle, was moved to the Lammermuir Hills from the Outer Hebrides in February. She was fitted with a satellite tag to monitor her movements. After release, she travelled through northern England, including Northumberland, the Pennines, and the Yorkshire Dales. On May 4, a photograph revealed significant damage to her wing feathers.
Gamekeepers on an estate in the Lammermuirs became concerned on June 1 after noticing her behaving unusually. Teams from Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) were called in, and Squeagle was collected and taken to the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre at Fishcross for assessment.
Scan results and police investigation
Scans revealed 17 shotgun pellets had been pumped through her body and wings. Experts believe the injuries were not recent, as the wounds had already healed. She was released back into the wild five days later. A police investigation has been launched, with detectives urging anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Sergeant David Lynn, National Wildlife Crime Coordinator, 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.”
“Following treatment by veterinary specialists at the Scottish SPCA, Squeagle was released back into the wild on Saturday, 6 June, 2026. Her condition will continue to be monitored through observations and detailed analysis of satellite tracking.”
“Enquiries remain ongoing, and 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.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland, quoting incident number 1361 of 5 June 2026.
