Fact sheets › Wildlife crime
Wildlife crime
Bird of prey persecution
Birds of prey such as buzzards, red kites, hen harriers and golden eagles are protected by law, yet are still illegally poisoned, shot and trapped — a crime known as raptor persecution.
Report bird of prey persecution
About bird of prey persecution
Raptor persecution includes shooting birds of prey, poisoning them with baited carcasses, destroying nests and eggs, and using illegal traps. It is most often associated with conflict over game shooting.
Poisoned baits are indiscriminate and also kill pets and other wildlife.
Signs to look for
- A dead bird of prey, particularly with no obvious cause of death
- A bird carcass or other bait laced with a suspicious substance (do not touch it)
- Illegal traps (such as pole traps) set near posts or nests
- Destroyed nests or eggs of protected species
The law
All wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; birds of prey receive the highest level of protection.
Using poisons to kill wild birds and possessing certain pesticides for that purpose are offences. Setting a pole trap is illegal.
How to report bird of prey persecution
If you've witnessed bird of prey persecution, please report it to us. Give as much detail as you can safely gather — what you saw, exactly where and when, descriptions of any people, animals or vehicles involved, and any photos or video. Do not put yourself at risk or confront anyone.
If an animal is in immediate danger, or a crime is in progress, call 999.
Report bird of prey persecution now