Police are appealing for information after a protected bird of prey was found badly injured in an illegal trap near Fairy Glen Nature Reserve on the Black Isle.

The sparrowhawk was discovered alive on Saturday 4 April 2026 with one of its legs caught in what officers say was an illegally set Fenn trap close to the nature reserve near Fortrose.

The Scottish SPCA attended the scene but due to the severity of the bird’s injuries it had to be euthanised.

Police Scotland wildlife officers say enquiries are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Detective Constable Daniel Crilley said the trap involved would only have been legal if it had been properly enclosed within a natural or artificial tunnel designed to reduce the risk of harming non target species.

He confirmed that this was not the case in this incident which meant the trap was being used illegally.

Crilley said:

“This protected bird was found in a Fenn trap.

“Fenn traps are legal only when set in a natural or artificial tunnel that is designed to minimise the risk of harming non target species, however this trap was not, making it an illegal trap.

“Sparrowhawks are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and enquiries are ongoing establish the full circumstances.

“We are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or who has information that could help our investigation to get in touch.”

Police have asked anyone with information to contact them via 101 quoting incident number 1200 of 8 April 2026 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

A spokesperson for the Scottish SPCA described the incident as a serious wildlife offence and said the bird had suffered significant pain before being found.

They said:

“The bird was found in extreme and unnecessary pain.

“The trap had caused a catastrophic leg break injury and sadly resulted in the bird having to be put to sleep.”

RSPB also condemned the incident which happened on land adjacent to the reserve.

An RSPB spokesperson said:

“We condemn the injuries caused to a Sparrowhawk in an illegal trap set on land adjacent to our Fairy Glen Nature Reserve, on the Black Isle in April.

“We appeal to the public to provide information either directly to Police Scotland or via Crimestoppers which might assist with their enquiries into this incident.”

The incident is likely to reignite concerns around wildlife crime in Scotland where birds of prey continue to be targeted illegally despite legal protections and years of enforcement efforts.