We've lost 200 lambs to killer sea eagles, say farmers (reintroduced to UK by conservationists)

The Daily Mail (U.K.) ^ | September 24, 2008 | Andrew Levy and George Mair

[Stoat]

When the majestic white-tailed sea eagle was re-introduced to mainland Britain after nearly a century, nature lovers were thrilled.
But the huge birds of prey have not found any fans among farmers, who have labelled
them ‘winged vermin’ and claim they have killed more than 200 lambs.
The area around one sea eagle nest was described as a ‘sheep graveyard’.
The return of the sea eagle has been hailed as a great conservation victory after they were wiped out early last century.
The birds were brought from Norway in a project by Scottish Natural Heritage, RSPB Scotland and the Forestry Commission.
The first few were released in Scotland last year but farmers said this year’s toll of lambs was much worse after 15 more were let loose at a secret location in the north-west Highlands.
Up to 20 more birds are due to be released each year over the next three years.
William Fraser, of the Crofting Foundation, said: ‘One woman has lost 50 per cent of her animals.
‘She actually saw a sea eagle lifting a lamb from her field and flying off with it.
‘We’ve had lambs that have had their necks sliced.’
Vets have reported seeing lamb carcases with damage from talons and injuries consistent with being dropped from a height.
Farmers claim their losses have already run into thousands of pounds and may
seek compensation.

 

 

[Stoat]

Farmers have labelled sea eagles 'winged vermin' after claiming they have killed more than 200 lambs since being re-introduced to mainland Britain
 

 

[Feline_AIDS]

Certainly some American eagle analogy could be made here... but I feel sorry for the little lambs.

[gigster]

Are they European Sea Eagles or African Sea Eagles?

[river rat]

If the Conservationists don’t adequately compensate the farmers - it becomes time to implement program SSS.

Shoot, Shovel, Silence

[Domandred]

That’s the problem with reintroducing a predator into an area they haven’t been for a long time.

We’re dealing with the same problem with wolves here in Idaho.

[SatinDoll]

OK...time to do some gene splicing. How about, sheep with fangs and talons, anyone?

[Stoat]

Certainly some American eagle analogy could be made here... but I feel sorry for the little lambs.

This bird doesn't have the symbolic nature of the American Bald Eagle, and they have been absent from the ecosystem there in the UK for nearly 100 years.  This sort of thing commonly happens when well-meaning "environmentalists" forcibly reintroduce predators...we've had the same sort of problem here in the USA with the reintroduction of wolves in some areas.

 

[Stoat]

Are they European Sea Eagles or African Sea Eagles?

I know that! That's easy!

[Pylon]

I had to read that title 3 times to believe it.

Maybe I need my meds.

[gigster]

Thank You.

[pankot]

Just one more case of human tinkering and the “Law of Unintended Consequences”.

[hoosierham]

And I count myself among those who think a bird of prey and a scavenger was a poor choice to symbolize the new nation of free men;Europe already had several empires that used the eagle as their symbol,beginning with Rome.

I thought the Brit sheepherders had to turn in their guns some years ago along with the other loyal slaves,err subjects;if you aren't PERMITTED arms to defend yourself you are a slave regardless of what you may want to believe.

[Stoat]

If the Conservationists don’t adequately compensate the farmers - it becomes time to implement program SSS.

Shoot, Shovel, Silence

Since our British Friends 'may' have just a bit of difficulty acquiring a quality shotgun, they may need to implement Alternate Plan

Poison

Incinerate

Shovel

Silence

 

"snicker"

If the Conservationists don’t adequately compensate the farmers - it becomes time to implement program SSS.

Shoot, Shovel, Silence

[Nailbiter]

ping

[onedoug]

Islamists? No problem. ‘Gotta get rid of them damned eagles though.

[river rat]

Hell, that works for me..
Whatever gets the job done...

I like the P.I.S.S. salute to the tinkerers with Mother Nature...

If a species was meant to survive - it would have.

[Stoat]

That’s the problem with reintroducing a predator into an area they haven’t been for a long time.

We’re dealing with the same problem with wolves here in Idaho.

Farmers the world over have my great sympathy (as well as my admiration and respect), as they not only have to contend with the whims of Mother Nature but with the insanity that other humans inflict upon them as well.  It seems that they are always the last to be considered or consulted when these grand schemes are implemented.  From the article:

Mr Fraser added: ‘We have been keeping lambs here for generations. We feel they put the birds here without our consent and without asking our advice.’
 

The birds, sometimes called 'flying barn doors’, have been spotted killing poultry as well.
 

One witness, the Very Reverend Hunter Farquharson, has installed extra protection
after a sea eagle attacked his flock of hens in Abernethy, Perthshire.
 

‘I was devastated to find several pullets had been devoured with only feathers left behind,’ he said.

 

That’s the problem with reintroducing a predator into an area they haven’t been for a long time.

We’re dealing with the same problem with wolves here in Idaho.

[LoneRangerMassachusetts]

Certainly some American eagle analogy could be made here... but I feel sorry for the little lambs.

This bird doesn't have the symbolic nature of the American Bald Eagle, and they have been absent from the ecosystem there in the UK for nearly 100 years. This sort of thing commonly happens when well-meaning "environmentalists" forcibly reintroduce predators...we've had the same sort of problem here in the USA with the reintroduction of wolves in some areas.

Were the lambs native to Scotland before the English Aristocracy kick out the natives, SCOTS, to steal the lands from crofters for pasture to stock their woolen industry? And we get to feel sorry for the lambs? Cripes.

[Stoat]

I had to read that title 3 times to believe it.

Maybe I need my meds.

I guessing that many of these 'conservationists' are in desperate need of high doses of psychotropic meds.

What was the thought process here?  "Those big eagles are so pretty, and by reintroducing them we can wash away the sins of people of 100 years ago who wiped them out.....Consequences?  Lambs being killed?  Small children and babies potentially at risk?  Who cares!  We're environmental zealots and people don't matter!"

I had to read that title 3 times to believe it.

Maybe I need my meds.

[Stoat]

Thank You.

You're quite welcome  :-)

I'm always delighted by Pythonic references here at Free Republic  :-)