Sea eagles blamed for lamb slaughter

Scottish farmers in the north-west Highlands claim that sea eagles, which have been reintroduced to the area, have killed more than 200 of their lambs.

Fifteen white tailed sea eagles were released back into the wild at a secret location by the RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage in August. Now farmers claim the two conservation groups are not taking their concerns seriously enough. Although sea eagles have taken several lambs in the past, the farmers say this year's death toll is much worse and they believe the birds are directly to blame for the rise. One crofter even lost 50% of her animals.

A spokesperson said that one female crofter even lost 50% of her animals. He explained: "She actually saw a sea eagle lifting a lamb from her field and flying off with it. We've had lambs that have had their necks sliced, they then can't lift them and are found going round in circles". Another crofter described going close to a sea eagle's nest and finding what he described as a sheep's graveyard.