Wild Animals

Wild Golden Eagle Welfare and Persecution

Golden eagles face illegal persecution from some land managers who view them as threats to game birds; poisoning, shooting, and nest disturbance cause significant individual welfare harm.

Key Facts

Golden eagles require large territories of 30-80 km2 and are sensitive to human disturbance
Illegal poisoning using carbofuran and other banned substances kills eagles across upland Britain
GPS-tagged golden eagles in Scotland have documented suspicious disappearances on grouse moors
Recovery of Scottish golden eagle populations is hampered by ongoing persecution in some areas
Golden eagles are protected by law in all countries within their range

Welfare Considerations

Poisoned golden eagles die slowly from neurotoxic or anticoagulant effects - a painful, distressing death. The deliberate targeting of apex predators by illegal persecution represents both a conservation crime and an individual animal welfare harm of the highest order. Improved law enforcement, stronger penalties, and changes to land management culture are all required to end this practice.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB campaigns against raptor persecution in the UK
Report suspected raptor persecution to local police and wildlife crime officers
Support vicarious liability legislation that holds land managers accountable for wildlife crime on their land
Advocate for driven grouse moor licensing that makes persecution a revocable offense