Pair of lynx found on the loose in the Highlands in 'suspected illegal release'

Police Scotland confirmed the big cats were seen in the Drumguish area, near Kingussie, on Wednesday.

Officers confirmed the lynx are not from the nearby Highland Wildlife Park, but specialist staff from the wildlife centre are helping them trace the pair.

Residents living in the area reported increased police and drone activity on Wednesday evening. There has been no confirmation yet as to where the big cats came from.

The Scotsman understands the lynx were also spotted on the same day on a nearby rewilding estate run by Wildland Ltd, which is owned by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen.

Tim Kirkwood, the chief executive of Wildland Ltd, said the organisation had been made aware of the big cats.

He told The Scotsman: “We have been informed about the reported release of two lynx in the vicinity of Killiehuntly estate. I understand they have been photographed.

“We certainly weren’t involved in their release. We are liaising closely with the relevant authorities and stakeholders, including the police.

“We will do whatever we can to support their safe recovery.”

A spokesperson from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) said: “The park authority has been notified about a suspected illegal release of two lynx in the Cairngorms National Park.

“Police Scotland has 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.”

The authority said people should not attend the area where the pair were spotted and appealed to anyone with information about the lynx to contact police.

Read more here: Lynx in Scotland: Here is everything we know about the wild cats being illegally released in the Highlands

The wild cats were once native to Britain, but were driven to extinction around 1,300 years ago, according to reports.

Various rewilding groups have been campaigning for years to have lynx reintroduced to Scotland. The farmers’ union NFU Scotland has voiced concerns about the impact the big cats could have on livestock.

A spokesperson for Scottish Land and Estates, a membership organisation for estate owners, said: "We were shocked to hear of this incident.

“While the full facts have to be established and the matter is subject to a police investigation the apparent illegal release of animals by unknown parties in these circumstances is utterly irresponsible.

“The welfare of these animals is a real concern but they should not be approached and anyone with information should contact the police."

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

“Specially trained staff from Highland Wildlife Park are assisting officers to trace them.”

The Eurasian lynx, the species that is native to Scotland, is a medium-sized wild cat.

They can measure up to 90-110 cm in body length and have a shoulder height of around 60-75 cm, according to the Big Cat Sanctuary, a conservation centre for the protection of big cats.

Males can weigh between 18-30 kilograms. They have sometimes been compared to a German shepherd in size.

Lynx are carnivores, and feed mostly on hoofed mammals, including deer. When their natural prey is scarce or difficult to find, research says they will also eat smaller animals including rabbits, foxes and hares.

In the wild, the big cats are said to live for up to 17 years, but in captivity they have been known to live for more than 20 years.