Fears missing golden eagles from Dumfries and Galloway could have come to harm

Police are investigating the disappearance of golden eagles that may have come to harm.

Officers say a four-year-old satellite-tagged golden eagle named Tarras disappeared in the hills to the north of Langholm.

The bird’s tag has displayed suspicious patterns and data, and there are concerns that it may have come to harm between August 27 and August 29.

A full search of the area where his tag last transmitted has been carried out using specialist resources, including dogs trained in tracing birds and their tags.

Police say neither the bird nor the satellite tag has been recovered.

In addition, Tarras’ mate Wren is also missing, and while there is nothing to suggest she has come to harm, concerns are growing for her welfare.

She disappeared at the same time as Tarras, who was translocated to the area in 2021 as part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project.

Detective Sergeant David Lynn, National Wildlife Crime Coordinator, said: “The data received from Tarras’ tag suggests that he has come to harm in the north of Langholm, and efforts remain ongoing to locate him and his tag.

“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.

“I would urge anyone with any information that may assist to contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 1987 of Friday, September 26, 2025.

Alternatively, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.