A SEARCH is under way after a potential lynx sighting in Dumfries and Galloway.
The wildcat was reportedly spotted in a wooded area near Newton Stewart at around 12pm on February 26.
Police were made aware of the sighting two days later and are investigating to establish the full circumstances.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of a possible sighting of a lynx in woodland near Newton Stewart around 12pm on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
“The sighting was reported to police on Friday, February 28, and officers are working with partners to establish the full circumstances.
“If there are any further sightings, members of the public are asked not to approach the animal and contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident 0972 of February 28.”
The potential sighting comes after four lynx were illegally released into the Highlands in January, in two separate incidents.
The animals were captured by staff from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), before being relocated to Edinburgh Zoo with the hopes of finding them a new home.
One of the lynx passed away just days after arriving in Edinburgh.
Following those releases, First Minister John Swinney ruled out the Scottish Government's support for the legal release of lynx or other large carnivores in Scotland.
