AN investigation has been launched after a wild peregrine falcon was found dead.
Walkers discovered the bird's carcass on a public footpath in Bove Wood, Newbiggin in north Cumbria and contacted the RSPB.
The bird was given a post-mortem but the cause of death could not be confirmed.
However, an X-ray uncovered three led shot fragments in its neck, knee and hip.
PC Sarah Rolland for Cumbria Police said: “It is quite apparent that the peregrine recovered from Newbiggin had been shot at some stage in its life. However, the post mortem indicates the fragments of shot may be historic and were not the direct cause of its death. It is therefore difficult to establish when or where the bird was shot.”
Peregrines, like all birds of prey, are protected by UK law. Anyone found guilty of killing or harming a peregrine could face a fine of £5,000 and jail.
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