Authorities are investigating the illegal release of two lynx in the Scottish Highlands, urging the public to stay away from the animals.
Kingussie: So, here’s the scoop. Two lynx have been spotted roaming around the Scottish Highlands, and the police are on the case. It seems these wild cats were thought to have escaped from a wildlife park, but that’s not the whole story.
Turns out, the rangers and police confirmed that the lynx didn’t escape from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Highland Wildlife Park, which is actually a couple of miles away from where they were last seen. Crazy, right?
The Cairngorms National Park Authority is treating this as a suspected illegal release. They’re trying to figure out where these lynx came from, and they’ve warned folks not to get too close if they spot them.
Sir Edward Mountain, a local MSP, called the release reckless and irresponsible. He’s not wrong; it’s a big deal to let wild animals loose like that. Sarah Jane Laing, the chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, also chimed in, saying it’s shocking and a real concern for the animals’ welfare.
While the lynx are generally shy and not a threat to humans, the authorities are still urging caution. A spokesperson from the park authority said they’re working with the police to get to the bottom of this situation.
Police Scotland reported that they were alerted about the lynx around 4:20 PM on Wednesday. They’re getting help from specially trained staff at the wildlife park to track them down.
Interestingly, there have been discussions about reintroducing lynx to the Scottish countryside as part of a rewilding effort. Some people think it could help manage the growing roe deer population, but farming groups aren’t too keen on the idea.
