Shocking photos of a sea eagle clutching a lamb in its talons have sparked fears that the large birds will also attack small pets once they are released to the Isle of Wight this summer.
The surprising moment was photographed on the Isle of Mull by 74-year-old Douglas Currie from Loanhead, Midlothian, during a holiday trip with his wife.
After sharing his photos, the chief executive of the National Sheep Association said they ‘proved’ that the plan to release 60 sea eagles on the Isle of Wight was ‘madness.’
Phil Stocker told the Telegraph: “This photograph proves our point. I would think there is also a danger to people’s pets – cats and dogs and so on. It really is ridiculous.”
Mr. Currie and his wife spotted the sea eagle during their visit at Duart Castle near the coast of the Isle of Mull.
They saw the large bird carrying what they thought was a big fish. But as the creature flew closer, they realized it was a lamb.
“We saw this big shape through the sky and my wife thought it was a fish,” Mr. Currie said. “We then realized it was a lamb and I rattled off a load of shots. The bird was struggling. It’s the most extraordinary sight I’ve had so far.”
Mr. Currie also said the authorities have been in touch about the photos, which will spark another debate about the reintroduction of the large birds.
“Farmers and the RSPB on Mull have been in touch. They are trying to divert the eagles away from lambs and trying to get them to take fish instead,” he said.
“Golden eagles take lambs all the time but nobody seems to bother until the sea eagles swoop in. Their nest is about the size of a double bed and two chicks were in it so they will be feeding well.”
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