Missing Scottish golden eagle 'could have come to harm', say police, as appeal launched
The four-year-old bird’s mate, Wren, has also since disappeared.
Detectives have launched an appeal after a satellite-tagged golden eagle went missing in the south of Scotland.
Police Scotland said four-year-old Tarras, who was translocated to the area in 2021, had disappeared in the hills to the north of Langholm, with data from his tag suggesting he “could have come to harm”.
The force said the satellite tag had displayed suspicious patterns and data reports, causing concern the young bird could have been in danger between August 27 and August 29.
A full search of the area where the bird’s tag last transmitted has been carried out, including dogs trained in tracing birds and their tags.
However, neither the bird nor the satellite tag have been found.
Meanwhile, officers said wildlife partners had subsequently been unable to trace Tarras’s mate Wren.
The timing of the animal’s disappearance has caused concern. Officers said they were worried about the bird’s welfare, although officers said there was nothing to suggest she had also come to harm.
Detective Sergeant David Lynn, national wildlife crime co-ordinator, said: “The data received from Tarras’s tag suggests that he has come to harm to the north of Langholm and efforts remain ongoing to locate him and his tag.
“We cannot say for certain that Wren has also come to harm, but her disappearance is worrying. Our investigation remains ongoing and we are working with a range of partner agencies to establish more details around the disappearance of both birds.
“I would urge anyone with any information that may assist to contact us.”
Anyone with any information should call 101, quoting reference number 1987 of September 26. Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers though 0800 555 111.