Police in the Kilsyth area are asking for help after an otter pup died after it was caught in an illegal snare.
The poor pup was found on Monday, January 24 - now specialist wildlife officers are investigating the incident.
The animal was found in the Carron Valley Forrest area, with officers reporting it had later “succumbed to its injuries”.
A spokesman for the force told Lanarkshire Live: “If you have any information regarding this incident or know of anyone involved in the setting of unauthorised snares anywhere in Lanarkshire, please contact us and help end wildlife crime.”
It is illegal to snare otters in Scotland, as it is badger, wildcat, hedgehog, pine marten, polecat and red squirrels.
All snares used in Scotland must have a stop on them, so the noose cannot close to a circumference less than 23cm for a fox snare, or 13cm for any other animal.
Snares must be fixed to the ground, meaning drag snares are prohibited, with anyone setting a snare in Scotland expected to inspect it at least once a day at intervals of no more than 24 hours.
Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact police on 101.
Information can be left anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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