Two LYNX on the loose in UK after ‘illegal release’ as police warn public ‘do not approach’

COPS investigating the "illegal release" of two lynx have warned the public to not approach the wild cats.

It comes after reports the pair of apex predators were spotted in Drumguish, near Kingussie, in the Scottish Highlands.

Specially trained staff from the Highland Wildlife Park were called to assist officers in tracing the animals last night.

They said that the Lynxes have not escaped from the park and instead may have been abandoned illegally.

Now, animal welfare experts have confirmed the cats were trapped overnight and are now being cared for in quarantine facilities at Highland Wildlife Park before being transferred to Edinburgh Zoo.

In a statement, the Highland Wildlife Park said: "We have successfully captured the two lynx that were illegally released into the Highlands.

"Working with Police Scotland, experts from our wildlife conservation charity humanely trapped the cats overnight and took them to the park's quarantine facilities.

"We plan to move them from the park to Edinburgh Zoo in the near future where our expert veterinary team will assess their health and welfare.

"We condemn the illegal release of these lynx in the strongest possible terms. It is very unlikely they would have survived in the wild."

The public were earlier advised to call 101 if they see the cats.

A Police Scotland spokesperson previously said: "Two lynx have been spotted in the Drumguish area near to Kingussie.

"Specially trained staff from Highland Wildlife Park are assisting officers to trace them.

"Do not approach the lynx or attend the area, but instead call police via 101. Quote inc no 2179/08/01/25 when calling."

The Cairngorms National Park Authority said they were shy and a "low risk" to humans but added they should not be approached.