Police issue Golden Eagle warning

Police are asking the public to be vigilant after a Golden Eagle escaped from a bird aviary in Pontycymer.

The female Golden Eagle is thought to have flown away from a farm in the area on Monday evening with its jesses and line still attached.

South Wales Police say people in area should not approach the bird, which has a 6’5” wingspan and weighs 16lbs.

Wildlife and Environmental Crime Officer PC Mark Goulding said “the Golden Eagle is captive bred and familiar with humans, however, it is a very large and powerful bird and so should not be approached."

Golden eagles are usually associated with North America, but they are also present in Eurasia and parts of Africa.

According to the RSPB, the species also lives in the open moorlands and mountains of Scotland, favouring islands and remote glens.

Anyone with information on the missing bird are asked to call South Wales Police on 101.