Advice for helping badgers

​Badgers are nocturnal animals that you don't often see during the day. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations and enriching the soil with their digging. However, sometimes you might come across a badger in distress or in an unusual situation. This guide provides advice and tips on what to do if you find yourself in that situation.
 

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Dehydrated badgers

During periods of extreme heat or drought, badgers might get dehydrated and need some help.
 

1. Provide fresh water

Leave a shallow bowl of fresh water near the badger, but don't try to force it to drink. Monitor from a distance: watch the badger from a safe distance to see if it recovers after drinking.

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2. Call for help if needed

If the badger doesn't improve, contact the RSPCA for further assistance. Their emergency hotline is 0300 1234 999.

 

3. Attempting rescue

Badgers are wild animals and might respond aggressively to contact. However, in some circumstances (e.g. animal is not conscious/not responsive) if may be safe to consider moving the animal. Vets have a duty to help wildlife and if you manage to safely transport the animal to a local vet they may be able to provide direct assistance. If you attempt to move the animal please do so with relevant equipment (gloves and adequate clothing, wrap the animal in a blanket or inside a box/container).
 

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Badgers out during the daytime

 

Badgers are nocturnal, so seeing one during the day is unusual and might indicate a problem.

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1. Observe carefully

Watch the badger from a distance to assess its behaviour. It might just be foraging or exploring. Let it move away naturally unless there's an immediate danger.

 

2. Look for signs of illness or injury

If the badger seems lethargic, disoriented, or injured, contact the RSPCA at 0300 1234 999. Avoid disturbing the badger.

 

3. Attempting rescue

In certain circumstances if the animal does not recover, if may be safe to consider moving the animal. Veterinaries have a duty to help wildlife and if you manage to safely transport the animal to a local vet they may be able to provide direct assistance. If you attempt to move the animal, please be mindful that wildlife can react aggressively when stressed or in pain, and do so only if it is safe and with relevant equipment (gloves and adequate clothing, wrap the animal in a blanket or inside a box/container).
 

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Trapped badgers

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Badgers can sometimes get trapped in fences, pits, or other enclosures.

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1. Rescue

Trapped badgers can become very stressed and might act aggressively so any attempt to rescue them has to be done carefully and if no other support is available. Only in circumstances where you assess it is safe to provide assistance you may attempt to take it to a local vet, as per advice provided in the “dehydrated badger” section.

 

2. Contact professionals

Call the RSPCA for assistance. They have the necessary tools and expertise to free the badger safely. The emergency hotline is 0300 1234 999. Provide detailed information. Give specific information about the location and condition of the badger to ensure a prompt response.
 

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Reporting sett interference or persecution

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Badger setts are protected by law, and disturbing them is a serious offence.

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If you can see sett interference or persecution happening

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If the interference or persecution is happening in front of you, call 999. Do not approach or challenge he people involved but watch from a safe distance.  Give the police information about location, number of people involved and a description, any vehicle types colours and registration numbers.

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Sett interference or persecution that you suspect has happened

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1. Preserve the scene

If you suspect a badger sett has been disturbed or tampered with, don't try to investigate it yourself as you may remove or destroy vital evidence. It is ok to take pictures from afar so that information can be shared with the authorities.

 

2. Contact the police and RSPCA

Report the disturbance to the police on 101 and the RSPCA. The RSPCA can be reached at their emergency hotline: 0300 1234 999. Give specific details about the location and nature of the disturbance to assist authorities in their investigation.
 

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Injured badgers

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If you find an injured badger, it's essential to handle the situation with care.

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1. Contact the RSPCA

They have the expertise and equipment to handle the situation safely. You can reach them at their emergency hotline: 0300 1234 999. Give as much detail as possible about the badger's location to ensure a quick response. 

 

2. Keep a safe distance

Ensure that you and others stay at a safe distance from the injured badger until professionals arrive.

 

3. Attempting a rescue

When frightened or in pain, badgers can become very stressed and might act aggressively. Only in circumstances where you assess it is safe to provide assistance you may attempt to take it to a local vet, as per advice provided in the “dehydrated badger” section.
 

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Dead badgers

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Discovering a dead badger can be distressing, but it's important to handle the situation correctly.

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1. Do not touch the badger

Dead animals can carry diseases that might be harmful to humans and pets.

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2. Report the carcass

Contact your local council or the RSPCA to report the dead badger. You can reach the RSPCA at their emergency hotline: 0300 1234 999. Provide details of the precise information on the location to facilitate quick and safe removal.

 

3. Help improve road safety

Advocate for badger tunnels or signs in areas with frequent badger crossings to reduce road accidents.

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Encountering badgers in various situations can be challenging, but with the proper knowledge and assistance from wildlife charities, you can help ensure their safety and well-being.

 

Always prioritise your safety and contact professionals when dealing with injured, trapped, or distressed badgers.

 

By following these guidelines, you can contribute to the conservation and protection of these fascinating creatures.