Appeal for information after female buzzard shot in North Yorkshire

X-ray of buzzard shot in North Yorkshire
X-ray of the buzzard showing pieces of shot Credit: North Yorkshire Police

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for information after a female buzzard was discovered shot near Appleton le Moors.

The bird was found suffering multiple injuries in woods just off Hamley Lane by a member of the public on July 5th. Warning: The image below is distressing.

Although the buzzard received immediate veterinary treatment, she did not survive due to the seriousness of her injuries. A post mortem examination revealed she had suffered shot damage to her tail and wing feathers but also had leg and head wounds which may have been caused by becoming stuck in a cage trap

Buzzard was too badly injured to survive Credit: North Yorkshire Police

Prior to her death, the female buzzard had been seen feeding two young birds in the area. It is believed she was shot at some point between 6 – 9pm on Saturday July 4th

North Yorkshire Police Wildlife Crime Officer, Jeremy Walmsley, said it was the latest in a 'very long line' of persecution incidents involving birds of prey in Ryedale over the last few months.