Police are investigating after an adult otter was found dead at a loch in the south of Scotland.
It was found by a member of the public on the banks of Loch Ken near Parton at around 2pm on Wednesday, June 28.
The animal was caught in a fyke net, which appears to have been illegally set to catch crayfish in the river.
Anyone with information about the incident is being urged to come forward.
PC John Cowan, wildlife crime liaison officer, said: “It is illegal to set a fyke net or attempt to catch crayfish without a license which can put other local wildlife at risk.
“Otters will enter these nets to take advantage of an easy meal and can become trapped and drown, which is sadly what happened in this instance.
“We are working closely with the Loch Ken Ranger Service to identify whoever is responsible, but are also asking for the public’s help to assist us in our enquiries.
“If you have any information on the net or anything else you think might be relevant, please contact police via 101, quoting incident 2743 of June 28.”
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