Body parts of a dead golden eagle were removed before being thrown into a plastic bag, police said.

The bird was found on a forestry track off the A81 near Loch Rusky, north-east of Monteith Harbor in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

An investigation was opened following this discovery, made around 11 a.m. on Tuesday July 30.

Separately, RSPB Scotland said a red kite had been killed by a banned pesticide in Sutherland.

A police spokesperson said: “Golden eagles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and anyone with information is asked to come forward. contact Police Scotland.

“Investigations are ongoing and officers are now appealing for help to find out how this happened there.”

The force is also involved in the investigation into the death of the red kite.

RSPB Scotland said the bird of prey, also a protected species, was found by a dog walker in Spinningdale, near Dornoch, in April.

The results of the autopsy and toxicological analysis were consistent with carbofuran poisoning.

The pesticide has been banned for more than 20 years.