RSPB: Call to report wildlife threats

Scots enjoying an escape into the countryside have been asked to look out for signs of raptor persecution and other threats and dangers to wildlife.

With more people holidaying closer to home this year, the RSPB’S investigations team is asking people to report suspicious activity to help keep the countryside safe for wildlife and people.

Jenny Shelton, the charity’s investigations liaison officer, said the allure of places like the Scottish Highlands was more appealing than ever, and urged visitors to be alert to signs of shooting, trapping or poisoning.

She said: “When it comes to keeping wildlife – especially birds of prey – safe from being illegally killed or harmed, the role the public plays can’t be understated.”

Shelton said that while the RSPB employs a dedicated investigations unit, focusing on detecting and preventing raptor persecution, and assisting the police, members of the public can play an important role as “extra eyes and ears”.

People are asked to report potential crimes to Police Scotland on 101 if they find a dead or injured bird of prey or owl in suspicious circumstances, spring traps or suspected poisonings such as dead birds lying next to a pheasant.