POLICE Scotland have issued an update after a sighting of two lynx in the Highlands – after two illegally released ones were captured.
On Wednesday evening, the Cairngorms National Park Authority announced that two lynx were at large in the area.
The following morning, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) announced its staff, working with Police Scotland, had “humanely” trapped the animals overnight.
However, on Friday police received reports that two more lynx had been seen on a wildlife camera in the Dell of Killiehuntly area, near Kingussie, at about 7.10am.
Police have urged people to avoid travelling to the area to spot the animals – even though it may be “tempting”.
RZSS chief executive David Field said it is "very unlikely" that the animals will survive in the wild "due to a lack of adequate preparation".
“Officers are working with specially trained personnel to capture them safely and humanely.
“Although it may be tempting to try to find them, take pictures or set up cameras, we are asking people not to travel into the area, particularly in the current winter weather conditions.
“Please be mindful, act responsibly and allow the animal experts to carry out their work.
“Enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances of both sightings. Officers are on patrol in the area and anyone with concerns can approach them.”
If anyone saw anything in the area or has any information then please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0387 of Friday, 10 January, 2025.
Lynx were native to Scotland but were driven to extinction around 1300 years ago due to habitat loss and overhunting.
Efforts to reintroduce the species have been considered in recent years to help restore balance to the ecosystem.
