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golden eagle project
Police appeal as golden eagle survives shotgun injuries
Police Scotland is appealing for information after a golden eagle, translocated by our project earlier this year, survived being shot - with 17 shotgun pellets detected in her body and wings during recuperation.
We are relieved that the four-year-old female golden eagle, named Squeagle is once again flying high in southern skies, thanks to the combined efforts of the rescuing gamekeepers, the Scottish SPCA and RUN staff. However, we utterly condemn this act of persecution and urge anyone with information to call 101 immediately, quoting incident number 136 of 5 June 2026.
On 1st June 2026, gamekeepers on the estate in the Lammermuirs where she was first released, observed that Squeagle appeared to be in pain, and immediately alerted RUN. She was taken to a Scottish SPCA rescue centre where she was well cared for, before being re-released.
Seventeen shotgun pellets were detected in Squeagle's body and wings during recuperation.
Police Wildlife Crime Officers in Northumberland, Durham, Cumbria and North Yorkshire, supported by the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, have joined forces with Police Scotland for the appeal, as evidence indicated Squeagle had flown across these areas around the time when the shooting incident happened (spring 2026).
With our state-of-the-art satellite tagging system, we can see exactly where Squeagle travelled and further examination of the data could reveal more details of the incident.
This is the fourth time Police Wildlife Crime Officers have recovered evidence relating to the shooting of one of the golden eagles translocated by the project, but the first for a bird thought to have flown into England around the time of the incident.
Our tag data shows that Squeagle flew to the north of England and spent March and April in Northumberland, the Pennines, and the Yorkshire Dales.
We translocated Squeagle from the Outer Hebrides in February 2026.
A photograph taken by a local bird watcher on 4th May in Northumberland indicates she had extensive damage to her wing feathers.
Responding to the incident, Chair of RUN, farmer Michael Clarke said: “While we are relieved that Squeagle has survived, and is soaring high in southern skies thanks to the efforts of the rescuing gamekeepers, the Scottish SPCA and our eagle officer, John, we utterly condemn this act of persecution. This abhorrent wildlife crime was clearly committed by an individual or individuals who consider themselves above the law. Whoever is responsible for this, and anyone who seeks to excuse or conceal it, should reflect on the immense damage their actions cause to wildlife, the efforts of land managers, farmers, conservationists and local communities, and the future of golden eagles in the UK...These birds are an awesome sight to behold and an absolute asset to our countryside. They even help to protect game and livestock from predators such as foxes and crows. We very much hope they are here to stay and continue to spread so that people across the UK can experience the enjoyment of seeing them soaring in the skies above them.”
In context
While we have now sadly seen evidence of four incidents of persecution, over 80% of the golden eagles translocated through the project are still alive and thriving in 18 active ranges across the South of Scotland, providing a strong foundation for a self-sustaining population in the area. Over 25 eagles have flown south of the Scotland-England Border at least once.
The birds' high survival rate reflects the success of the project. However, all wildlife crime is utterly reprehensible and even one incident of persecution is unacceptable.
As part of our commitment to openness, we share details about the causes of golden eagle deaths, injuries and disappearances when there is sufficient data and evidence to do so.
Earlier this year, RUN received funding from Forestry England and Defra to explore a reintroduction programme in northern England with the potential for juveniles to be released as early as next year.
Responding to news of the shotgun attack on Squeagle, Ed Parr Ferris, species recovery manager at Forestry England said: “Bringing back lost species such as the golden eagle is an important part of our work to recover nature across England. Golden eagles play a vital role in our upland landscapes, both as an apex predator keeping nature in balance, and as an iconic species that inspires people.
“Every bird matters when a population is rebuilding, so this act of persecution is deeply concerning and highlights why our work with RUN is so important. RUN will continue to closely monitor golden eagles moving into northern England while the project explores both natural recolonisation and reintroduction options. If translocations go ahead, any chicks will be satellite tagged and monitored daily.
"A key next step is working with people across northern England to understand their views and address any concerns together. Our national feasibility study shows these landscapes are suitable and that most people are supportive of the return of golden eagles. Where there are concerns, we want to work together to find solutions.”
If anyone knows anything about the shotgun attack on Squeagle, we urge them to call 101 immediately, quoting Police Scotland incident number 136 of 5 June 2026.
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