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.

WHEN TO ASSIST

Single orphan after surveillance:
Badger cubs live in family groups in the sett. Tiny badgers will only
come above ground if there is a problem. They 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 a wildlife rescue center 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 may not be safe. 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 your local wildlife
rescue centre for advice.