Wildlife

Wild Golden Eagle Food Supply and Welfare

How prey availability, persecution, and habitat determine the welfare and survival of golden eagles in Scotland and beyond.

Key Facts

Golden eagles require large territories with abundant prey for successful breeding
Illegal persecution including poisoning and shooting limits eagle range expansion
Mountain hares and grouse are primary prey in Scottish uplands
Eagle numbers in Scotland have increased but persecution remains a significant mortality cause
Rewilding initiatives creating scrub and native woodland improve prey base

Welfare Considerations

Golden eagles face welfare threats primarily from deliberate human persecution. Poisoning causes slow, agonizing death. Eliminating persecution is the single most important welfare intervention for this iconic predator.

What You Can Do

Support organizations tackling illegal raptor persecution in Scotland
Report any suspected raptor poisoning to Police Scotland or RSPB
Advocate for vicarious liability laws to hold land managers accountable for persecution