TWO “lynx” have allegedly been spotted in the Highlands as police issue a warning to the public to “not approach” them.
The two lynx were apparently seen in the Drumguish area near Kingussie.
Police have confirmed they are assisting specially trained staff from the Highland Wildlife Park in tracing the two potential cats.
Members of the public have been told not to approach either of the two lynx and have been urged to avoid the area.
Anyone who may spot the two big cats should instead call police via 101.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), which oversees the national park, told The Scotsman it has been made aware of “a suspected illegal release of two lynx”.
A spokesperson from the CNPA said: “The park authority have been notified about a suspected illegal release of two lynx in the Cairngorms National Park.
“Police Scotland has been informed and are working closely with partners, including the park authority, to establish the full picture and take appropriate action.
“We condemn the illegal release of wild animals in the strongest possible terms and we are also concerned for the welfare of the lynx that have been released.
“Whilst they are shy animals and low risk to humans, we would ask anyone who does spot a lynx not to approach nor to attend the area.”
It was also reported by The Scotsman that the lynx were also spotted on the same day on a nearby rewilding estate run by Wildland Ltd, owned by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen.
Tim Kirkwood, the chief executive of Wildland Ltd, told the newspaper the organisation had been made aware of the big cats, but said they “certainly weren’t involved”.
“We have been informed about the reported release of two lynx in the vicinity of Killiehuntly estate. I understand they have been photographed,” Kirkwood told The Scotsman.
“We certainly weren’t involved in their release. We are liaising closely with the relevant authorities and stakeholders, including the police.”
In a post on social media Police Scotland South Highlands said: “Two lynx have been spotted in the Drumguish area near to Kingussie.
“Specially trained staff from Highland Wildlife Park are assisting officers to trace them.
“Do not approach the lynx or attend the area, but instead call police via 101. Quote inc no 2179/08/01/25 when calling.”
