Europe’s third largest predator on the loose in Scotland

Two lynx are on the loose in a Scottish Highlands national park after what is believed to be an ‘illegal release’.

Despite being up to 3ft long, the large cats are known for ambush hunting prey on animals more than twice their size.

This includes red deer, which live in the Cairngorms National Park near Inverness and Aberdeen.

A national park spokesperson said: ‘The park authority have been notified about a suspected illegal release of two lynx in the Cairngorms National Park.

‘Police Scotland have 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.’

Europe’s third largest predator, after brown bears and wolves, the spotted cats have been extinct in the wild in Britain for 1,300 years due to hunting and habitat loss.

Lynx have become a focus for rewilding campaigners who say they can keep deer populations in check, reducing damage to woodlands and allowing trees to grow.

A population of around 400 could feasibly survive in the Scottish Highlands at present, with this figure rising as woodland increases, Rewilding Britain claims.

But this release of two lynx into the wild is believed to be illegal.

Tracking down the pair may be tricky. As the website of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, which supports their reintroduction to the wild, said: ‘Solitary and elusive, they typically hunt at night and stealthily avoids humans, so they are rarely seen.’

On X, Police Scotland confirmed it is looking into the incident, urging anyone with information to come forward.

A spokesperson 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.’

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