What to Do When You’ve Run Over a Badger

March 17, 2019

What do you do if you run over a badger crossing the road? And why do so many get hit in the first place during February? Let’s find out in today’s blog.

Badger habits in February and March

February is typically the time of year when female badgers give birth to their cubs. Their litters can range from one to five, though most will give birth to three. This time of year also happens to be the start of mating season and for males in search of a sow this presents a problem.

Whether it be across rolling fields or a busy road, male badgers are currently emerging from their setts and roaming far and wide looking for a mate. But the trouble is when it comes to crossing these busy roads, badgers aren’t too great with their green cross code. Combine this lack of road knowledge with the fact they usually travel at night and the result is that thousands of  badgers are claimed by British drivers every single year.

What do if you hit one

So, you’ve officially become a badger slayer. But, what now?

  1. Do not approach. Badgers have strong jaws, so it’s best to stay out of reach. They will not hesitate to bite if they feel threatened and a fleeing badger can cause further road accidents. Wait and watch from a distance. This is also our advice if the badger chooses to move away from the scene; simply watch where it goes and don’t try to stop it.
  2. Do not pick up an unconscious badger. Due to their ability to give a painful bite, do not attempt to relocate an unconscious badger. They might look cute and cuddly asleep, but it needs to be safely contained in case it wakes.
  3. Report the accident. If you hit or see an injured badger, please ring the RSPCA emergency line on 0300 1234 999, and the Police on 101, to inform them that the road may need to be closed in order to safely collect the animal. It’s also best to warn any other road users if there is an obstruction.
  4. Raise awareness. The best way to avoid a badger road casualty is by taking care on roads that are near woodland and open green spaces. It’s also a good idea to warn other road users in your area to take care on certain roads where badgers have been sighted.

We hope that you’ve enjoyed our tips on what to do in the event of a badger road casualty.

Of course, the best advice we can provide is to simply give badgers a brake this year. Slow down on roads in areas where badgers are common and be extra aware that one could be crossing the road in the dark hours. After all, even if you’re not the biggest badger fan, hitting a 12 kg badger at 40 mph is going to give you a rather large crack in your bumper.

Learn About Badgers!
A badger sett is a system of tunnels and nesting chambers lined with bedding such as grass, moss and leaves.
Cubs are normally born in February, and the average number in a litter is three, although the range can be from one to five.
Badgers are considered omnivorous, although their diet varies so much in different countries they are also sometimes termed ‘local specialists’.
Badgers live mainly in woods and copses in extensive underground burrow systems called setts.
Badgers are shy, nocturnal animals that live in underground chambers connected by a network of tunnels known as a sett.
Did You Know?
It has been estimated that up to 50,000 badgers may be killed on our roads each year. If safe to do so, it is worth checking what appears to be a dead badger.
Snares can do serious damage to skin tissue which is not immediately obvious.
Badger cubs begin to explore above ground in May, sometimes without mum’s permission!
Try not to cause the animal alarm, but observe from a distance.
Help & Advice
Our website is packed full or helpful advice and facts about badgers and how the handle them in numerous situations.
BADGERS & DEVELOPMENT
If you’re concerned about
badger welfare in relation
to property development.
BADGERS IN DISTRESS
If you find a badger in need
of urgent care or in distress
then call us immediately on
our dedicated Phone line and
select Option 1. 08448 707 908
BADGERS IN THE GARDEN
Not everyone wants badgers in their garden, we know that they can dig up lawns, eat bulbs and generally make a mess.

Please contact us on enquiries@lancashirebadgergroup.org.uk for advice on your specific problem with badgers in your garden, we are happy to help.