Adopt a Badger

The name Badger actually comes from the French word ‘Becheur’, which means digger, and that’s certainly what they are good at! A famous face arounds the hedgerows and landscapes of the UK, the badgers distinctive black and white striped head is as synonymous with our country as the Queen.

Badger numbers fell dramatically when they were used for sport right up until the early 1990’s. The Badgers Act soon put a stop to that, and for the first time gave the animals legal protection from human interference. It is now an offence to bother badgers and their setts, though I wouldn’t bother as they are quite vicious when need be!

They have long claws for burrowing, and an amazing sense of smell which helps them sniff out food. they can even run at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour when they need to, so don’t get caught in a race with one as you may lose!

With it’s distinctive black and white striped head the Badger can be found throughout the UK living in woodlands, mountains, towns, sea cliffs and roadsides, inhabiting landscapes from the Northern tip of Scotland to the South coast of England. A quarter of the population can be found in the South-West of England, and a few badgers are found on some of the islands, including Arran, where they were introduced in the eighteenth century for sport. The population is witnessing a recovery due largely to the increasing activities of badger groups around the country who have contributed to changes in legislation which have led to further protection of Badgers. As previously mentioned the Badgers Act of 1992 gave legal protection to badgers and their setts and it is now an offence to disturb or ill-treat them.