Badgers

Badgers can be very dangerous animals and should only be handled by experienced personnel. Once you have assessed that a badger is in need of assistance contact your local wildlife rescue centre or telephone Tiggywinkles on 01844 292 292.

 When to assist

Single orphan after surveillance:
Badger cubs live in family groups in the sett, tiny badgers will only come above ground if their is a problem, there will also give out very loud distress calls, which are best described as 'wickering'. As with all animals  always observe from a safe distance to ensure the animal is really orphaned.

The Badger is out during the day:
Badgers are nocturnal, sleeping all day and coming out at night to feed, adult badgers only ever come out during the day if there is a problem.

The Badger has been hit by car:
A badger that has been hit by a car needs immediate medical assistance. Cover it with a blanket and call your local wildlife rescue centre for assistance.

The Badger can be approached:
Badgers are naturally suspicious of humans and will run away if they see you. An animal that can be approached is in trouble. Still leave handling to the experts.

Leg appears damaged:
Badgers can still be very mobile even with a fractured leg, and it will take expertise to rescue them, call for assistance.

Dragging both hind legs:
Can indicate a fractured spine, contact your local wildlife hospital to rescue the animal, never try to handle the animal, it can be dangerous to both you and the injured badger.

Has open wounds:
Open wounds will need medical assistance to heal.

Caught in a snare or fence:
Do not release straight away. Even if a badger has no obvious wounds when first released from a snare or fence, it must not be released straight away. It can take up to a week for a condition called 'pressure necrosis' to develop, at which time the skin will begin to die away, and open wounds will appear.

Any apparent orphan showing an injury:
Any injured orphan must have medical assistance.


 When to leave alone

All apparent orphans except when injured:
Always observe from a safe distance to ensure the animal is really orphaned.

When you would endanger yourself or others:
Never put yourself or others in danger, telephone Tiggywinkles for advice.