Police and conservationists have launched a joint investigation after the bodies of 12 pipistrelle bats found near St Andrews were shown to have suffered trauma.
The bats, found at the foot of a tree on the Eden Estuary at Guardbridge, near to the former Guardbridge Paper Mill, died on or around June 28.
PC Susan Martin, who is conducting the investigation, said: “We do not know if people have discovered the bat roost and interfered with it or if someone in the area has found them in their home and decided to dispose of them. We have an open mind to any scenario.
“We can confirm that, following a post mortem examination at a laboratory in Cumbria, we now know that the animals had some significant trauma at the time of their deaths.
“The divisional wildlife crime coordinator, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Bat Conservation Trust and I are conducting a joint investigation and are anxious to speak to anyone who may be able to assist with our inquiries.
“We would urge anyone with any information to telephone Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Pete Charleston, investigations officer for the Bat Conservation Trust, said: “At this time of year bats are at their most sensitive. Mother bats will be raising their young in maternity roosts.
“If a mother bat is killed, then their baby will die too as a baby bat depends on its mother for milk. It is very important for bat conservation that bat roosts are not disturbed.”
An SNH spokesman said: “Bats experienced large declines in the 20th century throughout Europe, particularly since the 1960s with some species becoming locally extinct.
“Because of this, all bats and their roosts are protected and can’t be disturbed without a licence. Another reason to protect pipistrelle bats is their midge consumption they can eat up to 3,000 midges a night.”