It seems that whenever our Chair tries to have normal life events (birthdays, wedding anniversaries etc), or we have stretched resources (an event, a holidaying Incidents Officer) the badgers decide to throw in a curve ball. This particular curve ball was a sick badger cub, found by a lovely chap on his land who was concerned enough to find us and get in touch. We went out and the cub was so flat she barely reacted to being picked up, apart from a couple of gentle huffs. Given a bit of dog food she did, however, attempt to eat.
A vet was swiftly identified who agreed to treat her and she was whisked down for an examination. At first it was thought she needed to be euthanised, but after a chat with Quantock Veterinary Practice, who are experts with badgers, she was put on antibiotics and a drip to see how she went overnight.
Fortunately she really picked up and we were then able to take her to Woodlands Animal Sanctuary in West Lancs with the hope that she would continue to improve. Once there she also saw their vet (from Rufford Veterinary Group), who provided a little more treatment and we are pleased to say that she has continued to recover in leaps and bounds since then, and was soon a little too hot to handle!
After a week’s recovery and a survey of the local area we were confident we had identified her home sett not far from where she was found. We took advise from Jean Thorpe (Rydedale Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre), our friends at Secret World amongst other experts and took a decision. As she was already weaned we were happy that we could attempt a release and see how she responded. Better for a badger to be raised by badgers!
We had the support of Pendle Badgers and Wildlife who regularly monitor the sett with cameras, which was invaluable and also the landowner and others in the area are badger friendly this was reassuring to us. So, an hour before the badgers at the sett normally emerge, we took her down to the sett. In less than a minute she was up, excited and trying to dig her way out of the cage! This is exactly the behaviour we are looking for and in short time we had to let her out ot prevent her damaging her nails or teeth on the bars. Off she went down the sett and into a lower hole. We have since recieved these photos from the sett, courtesy of Peter at Pendle Badgers and Wildlife. Due to an identifying feature, we’re pretty confident that this is our girl.
We’d like to thank Woodlands for their fantastic ongoing care, and everyone else who played some part, large or small in this rescue. We’d also like to thank Merseyside Naturalists Association for providing us with the equipment we needed to pick her up and transport her safely. Thank you all, we can’t do this kind of thing without you.