iStockAn investigation has been launched after a protected bird of prey was shot and killed in Aberdeenshire.
Officers received reports of an injured goshawk being found in the Whiterashes area on Saturday, November 8.
The bird was recovered with the help of the New Arc Wildlife Rescue but died before arriving at a vet.
Police confirmed that initial enquiries found that the bird had been shot.
All birds of prey are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal to kill them.
The force is urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward.
Constable Ann Ashman, of the Wildlife Crime Unit, said: “Goshawks are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and it is illegal to kill any protected species.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and we are working with our partner agencies to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
“I would appeal to anyone with any information that may assist our investigation to contact us. Your information could be vital in establishing what has happened.
“If you were in the Whiterashes area that day and saw anything suspicious – or have any information about shooting activity in the area – please contact us.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1942 of November 8.”
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