Under the WCA 1981, it is an offence for example to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take any wild animal included in Schedule 5 of that Act, unless that is licenced by NatureScot. NatureScot may still licence the lethal control of protected species under the WCA for a range of purposes, such as to prevent serious damage to livestock or crops, or to prevent damage to natural habitats, and may set a ‘close season’ during which lethal control may not take place.