By Scott Kirk
POLICE have launched an investigation after a young red kite was found dead in the Grizedale area.
The bird, marked as number four, was one of 30 red kites reintroduced to Grizedale Forest last August.
It was discovered under a tree it had been roosting in with a single shotgun wound.
PC John Shaw, Cumbria Police wildlife officer, said: “This is the second known incident involving released kites to have died by shooting.
"It is disturbing and difficult to understand why anyone would want to shoot these birds.”
Another of the red kites released at Grizedale was shot in Dentdale last September.
A full investigation involving police and the Forestry Commission is now under way.
The shooting of birds such as red kites, which are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, carries a possible six-month prison sentence and a fine of up to £5,000.
Iain Yoxall, Forestry Commission wildlife ranger responsible for the red kite reintroduction programme, said: “It is very sad news to hear that another red kite has been killed.
"These birds are a native species that were almost eliminated from the UK partly because of persecution.
"It has been fabulous to see them in the skies over Cumbria again – it just does not make sense why people would want to harm them.”
Red kites are predominantly carrion feeders and do not attack game birds or livestock.
