Two more lynx seen in the Highlands with public warned not to approach

Police are investigating a sighting of another two lynx in the Highlands.

Police received reports the animals had been seen in the Dell of Killiehuntly area near Kingussie at about 7.10am on Friday.

Officers said they believe the sighting is connected to the release of two lynx seen in the same area on Wednesday, which were safely captured on Thursday.

Members of the public have been warned not to approach the animals, and police said they are working with specially trained personnel to capture them.

Police said inquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances of the sighting.

They are appealing to anyone who saw anything in the area, or who has any information, to call 101, quoting incident number 0387 of Friday January 10.

Royal Zoological Society of Scotland chief executive David Field said humane traps are being set in the area to catch the animals.

"Two more lynx have been sighted in the same Cairngorms location where we successfully captured a pair yesterday," he said.

"Further traps are being baited in the area and the hope is that these animals will be safely and humanely captured before being taken to Edinburgh Zoo to join the two captured yesterday in quarantine.

"Police Scotland and Cairngorm National Park Authority rangers are also in attendance.

"The public are being asked to steer clear of the area as a build-up of people could disturb the animals and hamper efforts on the ground.

"RZSS condemns the illegal release of wild animals in the strongest possible terms and urges anyone with information on the release of these lynx to contact Police Scotland."

The Cairngorms National Park Authority say they condemn the illegal release of wild animals.

A spokesperson said: "This morning (Friday 10 January) our partners at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) notified us of the sighting of two additional lynx in the Cairngorms National Park.

"Police Scotland have been informed and the Park Authority has offered ranger support to assist in the safe trapping of the animals.

"Members of the public are asked to steer clear of the Dell of Killiehuntly area as a build-up of people could disturb the animals and hamper efforts on the ground.

"The Park Authority condemns the illegal release of wild animals in the strongest possible terms and would urge anyone with information on the release of these lynx to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0387 of Friday 10 January 2025."

A Highland Wildlife Park spokesperson added: "We are again working closely with Police Scotland and partners to safely retrieve the animals.

"Whilst lynx present a low risk to humans, we would ask anyone who does spot them not to approach nor to attend the area."

Inspector Craig Johnstone said: "Members of the public are asked not to approach the animals for their own safety and the safety of the lynx.

"Officers are working with specially trained personnel to capture them safely and humanely.

"Although it may be tempting to try to find them, take pictures or set up cameras, we are asking people not to travel into the area, particularly in the current winter weather conditions.

"Please be mindful, act responsibly and allow the animal experts to carry out their work."