Police investigate sea eagle’s death

By IW Observer.co.uk Mar 19, 2022

A third white-tailed eagle has died within the last few weeks and is the subject of a police investigation.

While it has been confirmed the bird had avian influenza (bird flu), it is not yet known whether this was the cause of death.

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

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman added: “We were called shortly after 5pm on Thursday, February 24 to a report of a dead sea eagle on Bowcombe Road. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the animal’s death is ongoing. We are not linking this to any other investigations at this time.”

The deaths of two other sea eagles in Dorset are also the subject of a police investigation.