Juvenile Marsh Harrier found shot in North York Moors
Police are appealing for information after a young Marsh Harrier was found with gunshot injuries near Westerdale. The bird is believed to have lain injured for several days before being discovered.
A juvenile Marsh Harrier has been found shot in the North York Moors National Park, prompting an appeal from North Yorkshire Police.
The bird was discovered in the Westerdale area on 28 August 2026, injured and unable to fly. Examination established that it had been shot, and police believe it had been lying injured for several days.
Its injuries were too serious for recovery and it was humanely euthanised on welfare grounds. The appeal, published on 21 September, does not announce an arrest or charge.
Reporting the case, Dr Ruth Tingay, Raptor Persecution UK, criticised the continuing persecution of birds of prey within a nationally protected landscape, describing the bird as:
Yet another raptor persecution victim, in a so-called National Park
Dr Ruth Tingay, Raptor Persecution UK
Tingay also highlighted the difficulty of securing evidence that identifies the person responsible when a bird is shot in remote countryside. Her commentary draws attention to previous investigations in the North York Moors, including the discovery of five dead Buzzards at Bransdale in 2020.
In that earlier case, examinations confirmed that at least four birds had been shot. Inspector Matt Hagen subsequently explained that the investigation could not proceed because police could not establish who was responsible to the standard required for a criminal prosecution.
The latest appeal concerns a separate incident. North Yorkshire Police has not publicly identified who shot the Marsh Harrier or established a motive.
Marsh Harriers are specially protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Police are asking anyone who witnessed suspicious activity around Westerdale, or who has information that could help the investigation, to contact 101 or email kimberley.laws@northyorkshire.police.uk, quoting incident number 12260171320.
22 Sep 2026
Get Breaking Birdnews First
Get all the latest breaking bird news as it happens, download BirdAlertPRO for a 30-day free trial. No payment details required and get exclusive first-time subscriber offers.
