 
 BADGERS
Nocturnal creatures coming out at dusk to forage for food. They eat all sorts of grubs and worms.
They are a delight to watch and are very playful within their family group. Anyone who has them
as regular visitors to their garden will know how much they enjoy eating scraps and especially
peanuts.
Injured badgers can be very dangerous and give a powerful bite. They should only be handled
by an experienced person.
Many badgers are seen lying on the side of the road, usually as a result of a road traffic accident.
Majority of these badgers look dead, but on closer inspection, you will often find that in fact they
are unconscious. If you find one, and you are not sure whether it is still alive or not, find a
branch or twig and gently touch the badger with it. If alive may respond with a grunt or snort or
it may just twitch. You may also be able to see if it is breathing as you get closer to it.
Badgers found out during the daytime may be sick or injured. Wounds are often found on their
rump, near the tail. These injuries are inflicted by other badgers during territorial fights. These
wounds become infected and the animal becomes very sick indeed.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND AN INJURED BADGER
If the badger is at the roadside, do not endanger yourself or other road users. If it is safe for you
to stop and check the animal, either mark the area by tying a piece of material to the hedge or make
a note of any landmarks nearby. Unless you are experienced and have the correct handling equipment,
report it either to a local rescue centre, Vet or phone the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999
giving accurate location details. Stay with the badger if you can.
If you find a badger in a field, wood or your garden, again, try to ascertain that it is still alive by
gently touching it with a stick. If near to your home, throw a blanket over the badger to keep flies
off any wounds. Covering the animal will help it to feel secure and will encourage it to stay in one
place until help comes. Call your local rescue centre or Vet or phone the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999
giving aaccurate location details.
Snares are unfortunately still used by persons who don't care about animal suffering. Badgers do fall
victim to snares. As the animal panics the snare becomes tighter and inflicts injuries and substantial
bruising. A badger caught in a snare will be particularly aggressive due to it being in a lot of pain and
very frightened. Do not just cut the wire as the animal will run off with the snare still around its body.
It is best to throw a blanket over it and call for help, either your local rescue centre or the RSPCA
will attend.
WHO TO CONTACT
lines open 24 hrs
Wildlife Rescue Centre
Veterinary Surgeon
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