On Air Now Topping In The Morning Wake up with Paul, Hayley, Emily and Heather 6:00am - 10:00am Cian Ducrot - I'll Be Waiting Schedule

Investigation After 'Sudden Death' Of White-Tailed Eagle On Isle Of Wight

A police investigation is underway after the 'sudden death' of a White-tailed Eagle on the Isle of Wight.

The sea eagle, one of 25 released as part of a reintroduction project on the Island, was found dead on February 24.

While it's been confirmed the bird had Avian Influenza (bird flu), Forestry England says it's not yet known whether this was the cause of death.

The circumstances around its 'sudden death' are being looked into by Hampshire Constabulary, the organisation said.

A joint statement from Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation said:

"A satellite-tracked White-tailed Eagle from the Isle of Wight reintroduction scheme was found dead on the Isle of Wight on 24 February 2022. Circumstances surrounding the sudden death of the bird are being investigated by Hampshire Police and partners.

"During a post mortem examination it has been identified that the bird was carrying avian influenza, although it is unknown at this stage if this related to the bird’s death and enquiries are continuing."

The deaths of two sea eagles in Dorset are also the subject of a police investigation, as Isle of Wight Radio previously reported.

Police say they're not currently linking this incident to any other investigations.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said:

"We were called shortly after 5pm on Thursday 24 February to a report of a dead sea eagle on Bowcombe Road on the Isle of Wight.

"The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the animals death is ongoing.

"We are not linking this to any other investigations at this time."

More from Isle of Wight News

Recently Played