Two Scottish Golden Eagles 'Disappear' in Suspicious Circumstances
Police Scotland appeal for information after satellite-tagged eagle and his mate disappear, sparking fears of foul play
Disappearance of Tarras
Detectives in Scotland are appealing for information after a satellite-tagged Golden Eagle named Tarras vanished in suspicious circumstances in the hills north of Langholm. The four-year-old male, part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, last transmitted data between 27 and 29 August 2025. His satellite tag recorded unusual patterns that suggest he may have come to harm.
Specialist searches were undertaken in the area, including the use of trained dogs capable of tracing birds and tags. Despite these efforts, neither Tarras nor the tag has been recovered, raising serious concern for his fate.
Concerns for his mate
Alongside the disappearance of Tarras, his mate Wren has also gone missing. Although there is currently no direct evidence to suggest she has been harmed, the timing of her disappearance has intensified fears for her safety. Wildlife partners working with the police are deeply concerned about the welfare of both birds.
Golden Eagles typically form long-term pair bonds, and the loss of either bird could have significant implications for breeding success in the region, where the population has long been struggling to recover.
Police statement and ongoing investigation
Detective Sergeant David Lynn, National Wildlife Crime Coordinator, confirmed that the tag data indicated Tarras had come to harm to the north of Langholm. He said: “We cannot say for certain that Wren has also come to harm, but her disappearance is worrying. Our investigation remains ongoing, and we are working with a range of partner agencies to establish more details around the disappearance of both birds.”
Police Scotland continue to investigate the incident in collaboration with conservation organisations. Members of the public are being urged to come forward with any information that may assist.
Call for information
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 1987 of Friday, 26 September 2025. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Conservationist raises concerns
Dr Ruth Tingay, a leading raptor conservationist and commentator on wildlife crime, has voiced strong concerns about the circumstances surrounding the disappearance. Writing on the Raptor Persecution UK website, she highlighted that both Tarras and Wren were a satellite-tagged territorial pair: “The sudden disappearance of both of them at the same time is highly suspicious.”
She also criticised the lack of detail provided publicly: “Why isn’t there any information provided about their last known positions according to their tag data? A police search has already taken place, so it’s not as though naming the location would provide a suspect with a chance of hiding or removing evidence.”
Dr Tingay further raised questions about potential links to local land management, adding: “It’d be very interesting to know the proximity of the nearest Red-legged Partridge release pen to the eagles’ last known locations.”
Her comments underline longstanding concerns that raptor persecution continues to undermine conservation progress, particularly in areas where gamebird shooting is prevalent.
September 2025
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