Police and animal rights activists have condemned the illegal entrapment of a protected bird of prey which was euthanised after being discovered near Inverness.
The sparrowhawk was found injured but alive with its leg caught in a trap near Fairy Glen Nature Reserve, Fortrose, on Saturday.
The injured bird was later put down by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) due to the severity of its injuries.
Police Scotland and animal rights activists are now calling on the public to help with inquiries so they can trace the perpetrator.
The trap had caused a catastrophic leg-break injury and sadly resulted in the bird having to be put to sleep
An SSPCA spokesperson said: “This is a very concerning case and a serious wildlife offence, and we are keen to establish what happened.
“The bird was found in extreme and unnecessary pain.
“The trap had caused a catastrophic leg-break injury and sadly resulted in the bird having to be put to sleep.
“We urge anyone with information to please contact Police Scotland or call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
A Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) spokesperson added: “We condemn the injuries caused to a sparrowhawk in an illegal trap set on land adjacent to our Fairy Glen Nature Reserve, on the Black Isle, in April.
“We appeal to the public to provide information either directly to Police Scotland or via Crimestoppers which might assist with their inquiries into this incident.
“We welcome the swift action of the SSPCA in responding and trying to help save this bird.”
“We are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or who has information that could help our investigation to get in touch
Wildlife crime officer detective constable Daniel Crilley, of Police Scotland, said: “This protected bird was found in a Fenn trap. Fenn traps are legal only when set in a natural or artificial tunnel that is designed to minimise the risk of harming non target species, however this trap was not, making it an illegal trap.
“Sparrowhawks are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and inquiries are ongoing establish the full circumstances.
“We are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or who has information that could help our investigation to get in touch.
“If you can help please contact us via 101, quoting incident number 1200 of April 8 2026, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”