Police appeal after osprey shot in Cairngorms National Park
The bird had to be euthanised due to the severity of its injuries
Police in Perthshire are investigating the illegal shooting of an osprey in one of Scotland’s national parks.
A gamekeeper found the injured bird in distress in the Glen Doll area of the Cairngorms on Monday 12 August.
The bird was taken to a wildlife centre in Fishcross for treatment by the SSPCA but had to be euthanised later due to the severity of its injuries.
X-rays later revealed the osprey had been shot.
Police Scotland’s wildlife crime investigation team’s Detective Constable Daniel Crilley said: “It's illegal to kill any protected species and we're working with partner agencies to fully investigate the circumstances.
"It is illegal to kill any protected species"
"Information from the local community is vital and I'd ask anyone who was in the area around 12 August and thinks they may have information which could assist our enquiries to come forward.
"We're keen to speak to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or has information about shooting activity in the area."
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1671 of 26 August.
Members of the public can also pass information to police anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.