Ruabon Moor, a sprawling moorland in North Wales west of Wrexham, has earned the grim moniker 'Wales' Bermuda Triangle' due to a notorious pattern of mysterious bird disappearances. The RSPB has identified the area as one of the UK's most intense hotspots for bird of prey persecution.
Hen Harrier Vanishes in Three Days
In late August 2025, a satellite-tagged female Hen Harrier fledged from the Peak District National Park and settled on Ruabon Moor on August 28. By the night of August 31, satellite tag data confirmed the bird was no longer alive. A subsequent search recovered the tag, but the bird's body was never found. North Wales Police sent the tag for forensic examination, which revealed that the harness had been deliberately severed with a sharp instrument, such as a knife.
The Hen Harrier is a rare and vulnerable red-listed species in Wales and across the UK, with recovery severely hampered by illegal persecution. Mark Thomas, RSPB's UK Head of Investigations, said: 'Sadly, this incident is a textbook example of Hen Harrier persecution and really shows the massive impact these crimes are having on this species. In this case a healthy young bird fledged from a safe area in the Peak District National Park and sadly chose to settle in 'Wales' Bermuda Triangle' - the most notorious bird of prey persecution hotspot in the country.'
Evidence Points to Deliberate Killing
Thomas added: 'This three-month-old bird survived for just three days in the area before it vanished in highly suspicious circumstances. Based on years of evidence and intelligence, we suspect the criminal shot the harrier, cut the harness off the Hen Harrier's body, discarded the tag and disposed of the body.'
Craig Best, General Manager for the National Trust in the Peak District, expressed devastation: 'We are devastated to learn of the fate of this magnificent bird that started its life on moorland in our care in the Peak District. Hen Harriers are an important species in the ecosystem of moorland habitats. We work hard to make sure these birds have good nesting and feeding grounds. Funding from our supporters helps us to restore the landscapes they need to give them the best chance of survival. If persecution is allowed to continue, we stand to lose a very important species that is crucial to the health of these landscapes and it can't continue.'
Police Investigation Ongoing
Sgt Peter Evans of North Wales Police Rural Crime Team stated: 'In September 2025, North Wales Police received a report concerning the disappearance of a Hen Harrier on Ruabon Moor. Working in partnership with the RSPB and the National Wildlife Crime Unit, the harness was recovered and the investigation to date is inconclusive. Despite this, we can confirm that the harness had been intentionally severed, and the circumstances surrounding the bird's disappearance are being treated as suspicious. Hen Harriers are a rare and protected species in Wales, making incidents of this nature particularly concerning. We urge members of the public to remain vigilant. If you witness any suspicious activity involving birds of prey, please report it to North Wales Police or the RSPB.'
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected bird of prey persecution by contacting police on 101 or submitting a report to the RSPB via their online form at www.rspb.org.uk/report-crimes or by calling the confidential Raptor Crime Hotline on 0300 999 0101. Reports may be made anonymously.
