Night-time water rescue saves entangled gull at Hailsham Common Pond
A evening walk for a couple enjoying the early signs of spring, resulted in – what turned out to be – a rather dramatic rescue for the East Sussex Wildlife…
East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) has been responding to an increase in reports of badgers sleeping in exposed or unexpected locations across the county over recent weeks. On Thursday, WRAS rescuers were called to Heathfield after a badger was found curled up asleep in a narrow gap between two fences, exposed to […]
East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) has been responding to an increase in reports of badgers sleeping in exposed or unexpected locations across the county over recent weeks.
On Thursday, WRAS rescuers were called to Heathfield after a badger was found curled up asleep in a narrow gap between two fences, exposed to the elements and unable to move on easily. Rescuers have also been to Hastings and Seaford for similar reports of badgers sleeping behind fence panels and a badger curled up in a log store at Newick – to name a few.
WRAS explains that at this time of year, some badgers can become temporarily displaced. This may happen when badgers are pushed away from their sett or social group by a dominant female while young are being raised. Displaced badgers may wander into neighbouring territories where they can be attacked and seriously injured, or they may bed down during daylight wherever they can find shelter — sometimes in gardens or other awkward places — before moving on again at dusk.
Badgers may also hide up after being frightened or chased by dogs, or following a glancing blow or near-miss with a vehicle. In some cases, these badgers can be injured and in need of urgent help.
Because of these risks, WRAS will often attend reports of badgers sleeping out in the open to check their condition. In this Heathfield incident, rescuers found the badger had fresh injuries including to both ears — the kind of wounds that can occur during territorial disputes, but also sometimes through rough play.
The badger was carefully rescued and taken to WRAS’s Casualty Centre at Whitesmith, where on-site vets anaesthetised the animal and treated the wounds. The badger is recovering well and is expected to be released back to the wild later this week after a short stay.
WRAS is urging the public not to attempt to handle a badger found curled up in a garden or out in the open.
“Badgers are incredibly strong animals,” said Trevor Weeks MBE Founder Director at WRAS. “Even a frightened or injured badger can cause serious injury if someone tries to pick it up, and the badger itself may be further harmed in the process.”
Public advice:
