Ecologist slams ‘callous’ killing of pregnant beaver

SSPCA investigating the shooting of protected animal

A pregnant beaver has been illegally shot in rural Perthshire in what is believed to be the first such killing since the animals became a protected species.

Outraged ecologist Derek Gow shared the picture on social media describing it as “murderous, callous, cruel”.

It is understood the beaver was pregnant and found not far from Crieff.

A post-mortem examination is said to have shown it had been shot in the head with a shotgun, and then “finished off” with a rifle.

A spokesman for Scottish Natural Heritage said: “We can confirm that this beaver wasn’t shot under licence.

“If it was shot after May 1, it is an offence.

“We understand the SSPCA will be investigating this further. “Beavers are now a protected species. “Anyone suspecting an offence has been committed should contact Police Scotland.”

In a statement accompanying the image, Mr Gow said: “You can see the bullet wounds.”

He added: “There is no justification at all that’s credible.

“This is the guardians of the countryside on a moral norm. Shooting, bludgeoning, butchering.”

Environmentalist Ben Goldsmith also shared the picture stating: “Another dead beaver, also pregnant, found not far from Crieff.

“Post-mortem showed it to have been shot in the head with a shotgun, which didn’t kill it, later finished off with a rifle.

“She suffered greatly. There are fewer than a thousand beavers in Britain. This is an outrage.”

Other shocked social media users described the attack as “disgusting” and “awful”.

On May 1 the Scottish Government brought into force a new regime giving beavers legal protection.

To kill them, or destroy their dams or lodges, people have to be granted a licence by Scottish Natural Heritage.

Wildlife campaigners celebrated the decision, emphasising the widespread ecological benefits of the beavers’ reintroduction.

However, farming leaders have previously raised concerns about the damage caused to agricultural land from their dam-building.

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said, “We can confirm we are investigating a report of a deceased pregnant beaver which appears to have been killed unlawfully.

“This is an ongoing investigation so we cannot make any further comment at this time.

“We want to ensure the welfare of beavers in the wild and any dependent young they may have.”

Picture: SWNS. The beaver found shot near Crieff.