‘Heartbreaking’ shooting of rare, endangered eagle in Roscommon sparks investigation

The animal was a two-year-old female white-tailed eagle and was part of a project to restore the population of bird to Ireland.

The animal was a two-year-old female white-tailed eagle and was found dead near Cranberry Lough in the south of the county.

She had been part of a National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) programme to reintroduce the population of bird to Ireland.

"Investigating officers have established that the bird was shot, and are awaiting further results of forensic analysis that may provide additional information," an NPWS statement reads.

The service has also said it "deplores the deliberate killing of rare and endangered species and takes bird of prey persecutions extremely seriously."

Commenting on the matter, Minister of State for Nature Malcolm Noonan, said:

“I’m devastated by today’s news of the death of one of our beloved white-tailed eagles. These majestic birds have been part of a reintroduction project to restore their populations in Ireland and to think that one would be shot is unconscionable. I am appealing to anyone who has information about this appalling wildlife crime to please report it to the NPWS or to the Gardai.”

Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service Niall Ó Donnchú also stated:

“I deplore this wanton act of violence against this beautiful and endangered bird. We’re asking for the public’s help in bringing the perpetrator of this heinous act of destruction to justice.”

As part of the reintroduction programme, white-tailed eagle chicks are fitted with satellite tags to monitor their movement.

Information from the satellite tag for the dead eagle indicates that she died sometime between Monday evening and Tuesday morning of the 11 and 12 of March.

The NPWS statement also reads: "Satellite information shows that she was present in the area over the past couple of weeks, having travelled around the west and north of the country since her release.

"The eagle left Lough Derg just over a year ago, moving south-west to the Shannon estuary and back north through the Burren and on to Lough Allen before reaching Donegal in mid-April 2023.

"She also spent time on the Leitrim Cavan border. In 2024, she spent most of her time along the borders between Galway, Offaly and Roscommon, following the Shannon River and Suck River and visiting the associated callows."

NPWS has appealed for any information the public may have in relation to the incident.

People can contact the NPWS by calling 01 539 3418 or emailing [email protected]. Roscommon Garda Station can also be reached by phoning 090 663 8300.

"All reports will be treated in the strictest of confidence," the NPWS also said.

Main stock image via Getty

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