Photo of Golden Eagle with illegal trap on its leg shocks public

Police Scotland has issued an appeal for information following the publication of a photo of a young Golden Eagle flying with what appears to be an illegal trap clamped on its leg.

The photo, taken by a tourist near Crathie in the Cairngorms National Park on 8 August 2019, sparked concerns for the bird's welfare and anyone with information is encouraged to come forward and contact the police on 101.

As stated on the Raptor Persecution UK blog, the locality is close to where illegal spring traps were found on a driven grouse moor in 2016.

The announcement came just after the so-called 'Glorious Twelfth' – the first day of the annual grouse shooting season – took place.

Even at distance, the presence of something large and heavy hanging from the eagle's legs is apparent.

A closer view reveals what looks to be a spring trap, with a chain dangling from the contraction.