A YOUNG gull which was found covered in pink paint is being cared for by a charity after its discovery in the West Highlands.
The Scottish SPCA fears the herring gull chick, which was found in Mallaig, may have been targeted as a prank.
It has warned the bird could have been seriously injured or killed as a result.
It is now being cared for at the charity's wildlife rescue centre near Alloa, where it has been nicknamed Blush.
Centre Manager Colin Seddon said: "If Blush had been left outdoors on his own in this state then he would have been continuously attacked by other birds. He is one of this year's chicks and not yet matured so he would not have been able to defend himself and could have been injured or even killed."
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