The protected bird of prey suffered a “catastrophic” injury last month and had to be put to sleep.
A sparrowhawk, similar to the one shown here, was euthanised after last month’s incident(Image: Getty)
A protected bird of prey has died after being found in an illegal trap near a Scots reserve. The sparrowhawk was found with its leg caught in the trap near Fairy Glen Nature Reserve in Fortrose, near Inverness on Saturday, April 4.
The Scottish SPCA rushed to the scene but the bird was discovered in “extreme and unnecessary pain”. It had to be put down due to a “catastrophic” leg-break injury.
The bird was found in a Fenn trap which wasn’t set in a natural or artificial tunnel, thereby making it illegal, according to wildlife officers. An investigation has been launched into the “concerning and serious ” incident.
Sparrowhawks are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has also slammed the incident and is urging anyone with any information to come forward.
A Scottish SPCA 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 please contact Police Scotland or call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
A RSPB spokesperson said: “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 enquiries into this incident.
“We welcome the swift action of the Scottish SPCA in responding and trying to help save this bird.”
Wildlife Crime Officer, Detective Constable Daniel Crilley, added: “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 enquiries 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 8 April, 2026 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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