A golden eagle released as part of a conservation project in southern Scotland has survived being shot 17 times. The bird, known as Squeagle, was found with damaged wings in the Lammermuir Hills around the beginning of June.
Gamekeepers discovered the injured eagle, and efforts by local gamekeepers, the Scottish SPCA, and a dedicated eagle officer led to its rescue and survival. The charity Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) leads the project aimed at increasing the golden eagle population in southern Scotland. While the project has seen successes, it has also faced setbacks including shootings and disappearances of released birds.
Micheal Clarke, a Dumfriesshire farmer and chairman of the RUN group, expressed strong condemnation of the act, stating that it was "clearly committed by an individual or individuals who consider themselves above the law." He emphasized the damage such wildlife crimes inflict on conservation efforts, land managers, farmers, and local communities, as well as the broader future of golden eagles in the UK.
An X-ray of the eagle reveals numerous shotgun pellets lodged within its body, illustrating the severity of the attack. The successful rescue and recovery of Squeagle represent a relief for the conservationists involved, with the bird now reportedly soaring in southern skies. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in protecting birds of prey and the persistent issue of illegal persecution within wildlife conservation initiatives.