What to do if you find an injured or orphaned badger
About Badgers
Badgers are fascinating small carnivorous mammals that sport flat, wedge-shaped bodies, short legs, and broad feet with formidable long claws. Their thick fur is essential for regulating their body temperature and shielding them from the elements. While badgers prefer dry, open grasslands, they are remarkably adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including woods, quarries, hedgerows, sea cliffs, and moorland. Most badgers are omnivores and eat both plants and meat. Badgers have a diverse palate that includes earthworms, larvae, slugs, small mammals, snails, bird eggs, and fruit.
As skilled diggers, badgers use their sharp claws to excavate underground dens and burrows that serve as their habitats. Their homes, known as setts, are intricate networks of tunnels and chambers, where they spend much of their time. Badgers line their dens with grass and leaves, creating comfortable bedding to sleep and rest in.
Encountering Badgers
Badgers are usually timid creatures and will generally try to avoid humans. So, if you encounter a badger, stay calm and quiet, and avoid making any sudden movements or loud noises that could startle or provoke the animal.
Badgers have sharp teeth and powerful claws and can be aggressive when provoked, so it is important to keep a safe distance of at least 50 meters away from them. Avoid approaching the animal, and if you feel threatened or unsafe, slowly back away.
It is also essential that you avoid disturbing or damaging their burrows, as they are vital to the survival and well-being of these creatures.
Badgers in trouble
If you find an injured or orphaned badger, it is important to take action to ensure the animal's safety and wellbeing. Here are some steps you can take:
Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal rescue organization for assistance. They can provide guidance on how to safely handle the animal and can arrange for a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to care for it.
Avoid handling the badger unless completely necessary. If the badger is injured, and it is safe for you to do so, consider placing a blanket or coat over it while you wait for wildlife rehabilitators. This will help to reduce stress and keep the badger warm.
Do not attempt to care for the animal yourself, as this can be dangerous for both you and the animal. Badgers are wild animals and require specialized care and rehabilitation.
More info on badgers
“Facts About Badgers,” Live Science
“Badgers,” Medicine River Wildlife Centre
“An injured Badger,” Wildlife Welfare