Search ongoing after 'suspected illegal release' of two lynx in the Cairngorms

People are being warned not to approach two lynx, who were spotted in the Highlands this afternoon.

Police say the animals were seen at around 4.20pm in the Drumguish area near to Kingussie.

Officers have also outlined how specially trained staff from the Highland Wildlife Park are assisting officers to trace them.

Meanwhile, Cairngorms National Park say they've been notified about the "suspected illegal release."

They added lynx are shy animals and low risk to humans, but also warned not to approach them.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 4.20pm on Wednesday, 8 January 2025, police were advised that two lynx had been spotted in the Drumguish area near to Kingussie.

"As a precaution, and also for the animals' safety, specially trained staff from Highland Wildlife Park are assisting officers to trace them.

"The animals are not from the nearby wildlife park.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish how they came to be in the area.

"Members of the public are asked not to approach the Lynx nor indeed attend the area, but instead to contact police via 101 if they are spotted.

"Please quote incident number 2179 of Wednesday, 8 January 2025 when calling"

A spokesperson for Cairngorms National Park added: "The Park Authority have been notified about a suspected illegal release of two lynx in the Cairngorms National Park.

"Police Scotland have been informed and are working closely with partners (including the Park Authority) to establish the full picture and take appropriate action.

"We condemn the illegal release of wild animals in the strongest possible terms and we are also concerned for the welfare of the lynx that have been released.

"Whilst they are shy animals and low risk to humans, we would ask anyone who does spot a lynx not to approach nor to attend the area.

"Instead, call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2179 of Wednesday 8 January 2025 when calling.

"As this is still an ongoing police investigation it would be inappropriate for the Park Authority to comment further at this stage."