Badgers are found across the UK, with the highest numbers in southern England . Ideal badger habitat is a mixture of woodland and open country. The species lives in a network of underground burrows and tunnels know as a sett. Each badger territory will include a main sett and several smaller outlying setts.
Where is the best place to see badgers?
Knutsford Heath is a reserve comprised of a mosaic of habitats, including broad-leaved woodland, scrub, heathland and grassland. It is a perfect habitat for badgers and a great place to spot them!
Where can you see badgers in the wild?
Badgers are found in much of North America, Ireland, Great Britain and most of Europe as far as southern Scandinavia . They live as far east as Japan and China. The Javan ferret-badger lives in Indonesia, and the Bornean ferret-badger lives in Malaysia.
How common are badgers UK?
How many badgers are there in the UK? A survey published by DEFRA found 72,000 social groups of badgers in England and Wales. Other estimates suggest the population may be 250,000-400,000 individuals in the whole of the UK. The UK has a quarter of the global population of the species.
What to do if you see a badger?
If you find a badger either in unnatural surroundings or above ground during daylight hours, they may be injured or unwell . Do not attempt to approach the animal, but seek expert help as soon as possible if you are concerned. Frightened animals may bite in self-defence.
What time of year are badgers most active?
June and July are the best months to see badgers, as you can watch playful cubs above ground. Badgers are less active in winter. Badgers can't see very well, but their sense of smell is good.
What time do badgers go to bed?
Badgers are nocturnal: they sleep during the day and are active at night. They emerge from their sett in the evening to play, socialise and forage. Unfortunately for the badger watcher they don't come out at exactly the same time every evening. They vary the time of emergence from day-to-day and month to month.
Should I buy a house with a badger sett in the garden?
Badgers are strong animals and can damage fences and other boundaries in their determination to enter gardens. Badgers and their homes (setts) are protected by law , but lawful actions can usually be taken to resolve, or at least minimise problems, without harm to badgers or other animals.
Can a badger climb a tree?
HABITAT AND DIET
Honey badgers are good swimmers and can climb trees. With its long claws, the honey badger digs burrows up to 9 feet (3 meters) long and up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) deep.
How do you spot a badger?
By far the most exciting way to watch badgers is to search for an active sett – look for piles of fresh spoil outside, well-worn paths and a latrine pit full of droppings . The telltale signs of these enchanting mammals are far less attractive than the badgers themselves!
What is the biggest predator in the UK?
The badger's distinctive striped face is unmistakable. Badgers are the UK's largest land carnivore.
What is the largest animal in the UK?
Measuring 9ft tall, weighing in at 300lbs and known as the Exmoor Emperor, this stag is thought to be the largest wild animal in Britain. The annual mating season for deer is on and the wild stag has been spotted near the Devon-Somerset border.
Can a badger hurt you?
Badgers are not considered dangerous for humans . They are extremely reluctant to come in contact with humans and wouldn't attack you, unless you try to charge or harass them. ... But if you try to irritate or trap them, then it might force the Badger to bite or attack you in aggression.
Can you pick up a badger?
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PICK UP OR TOUCH A BADGER , EVEN A BABY! Badgers have incredibly powerful jaws and very large, sharp powerful claws. They can and will inflict a serious injury if not handled properly. If you have found a badger in need of help you must seek assistance from an experienced wildlife rescue.
Will a badger hurt a human?
Badger attacks on people are rare, but they do happen . When cornered, the animals will usually try to retreat. However, attempts to handle or trap badgers may cause the pests to bare their teeth or even bite and scratch.
