On Saturday Oxfordshire Badger Group held a badger rescue information afternoon for its volunteers.
The first thing we learnt was the different types of injuries that the rescuers might come across, from territorial wounds, to being hit by a car, to injuries resulting from wildlife crime, orphaned cubs and the different types of illnesses that badgers can get.
Next a few people from the group, including my mum, talked through some of the rescues they have attended to show that each one is different. The location and the time of day can make a big difference.
I’ve been out on a few rescues with my mum and sister including a couple of orphaned cubs and a badger that had been hit by a car and was left for dead in a puddle. I’ve also been lucky enough to witness a rehabilitated badger being released back in to the wild.
Everyone got to have a go with the equipment which meant catching a cuddly toy badger with a grasper and putting it in to a rescue cage.
After that, our local wildlife crime officer spoke about wildlife crime in the Thames Valley area and how different groups can work together.
Following a break, Tess from The Nutkin Ward animal rescue, gave the volunteers lots of tips and advice on badger first aid.
Finally there was a section on different rescue centres, biosecurity and how volunteers should keep themselves safe.
During the afternoon I learnt a lot but I won’t be going out rescuing badgers on my own for a few years yet.
These poor little badgers! I am so glad that there are groups out there helping them and rescuing them.
My son’s very favorite stuffed animal is a little “British Badger” as we call him.
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That’s great to hear that your son loves badgers.
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Badgers need all the friends they can get and it is great to know they have some. The culling of badgers in the west of England is utterly barbaric!
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They certainly need friends
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Such interesting animals. I’ve worked here in Tasmania rescuing wallabies, pademelons, possums and birds. Well done for your interest. 🤠🐧
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Agreed, badgers are fascinating to watch
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