POLICE have launched a search following the "worrying disappearance" of two golden eagles.
Tarras, a four-year-old male satelite-tagged golden eagle, has gone missing in the hills to the north of Langholm in Dumfries and Galloway.
Police said Tarras's tag has displayed "suspicious patterns and data reports" and have raised concerns he 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.
However, neither the bird nor the satellite tag have been recovered.
Tarras was translocated to the area in 2021 as part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project.
Officers and wildlife partners have also been unable to trace his mate, Wren.
Although there is nothing to suggest she has come to harm, her disappearance coincides with that of Tarras and concerns are growing for her welfare.
Detective Sergeant David Lynn, national wildlife crime coordinator, said: “The data received from Tarras’ tag suggests that he has come to harm to 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 has been asked to call 101, quoting reference number 1987 of Friday, September 26, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
