Man fighting for custody of badger he nursed back from starvation

An ecologist in the Scottish Borders is fighting to be allowed to keep a badger that he saved from starvation.

Graeme Wilson was called out to help the cub, called Harriet, in April after she was found in a cattle trough 100m (300ft) from her sett.

Wilson nursed the badger back to health but believes she was hand-reared prior to this, and it would be impossible to return her to the wild.

NatureScot - which turned down his application for an educational licence to keep the animal - said it was continuing talks to try to find a "pragmatic solution".

Wilson runs GW Ecology, a small independent rescue and rehabilitation service at his home in Denholm.

It carries out surveys to determine whether protected species are present on the sites of proposed property developments.

He also leads bat walks, workshops and holds educational events about wildlife and how to protect it.

Wilson describes himself as an "experienced and trained wildlife rehabber" who has cared for a variety of wildlife over the years.

He argues that an educational licence could allow him to support public understanding of badgers, wildlife rescue and caring for a protected species.

He said that after rescuing Harriet, it quickly became evident to him that she could not go back to where he found her.

Wilson added: "It was almost second nature when she saw the bottle.

"I have cared for injured badgers before and never have I seen something like it.

"It was clear then she couldn't be released back into the wild."

He said NatureScot, the public body responsible for Scotland's natural heritage and wildlife, had told him she should be returned to the wild or sent to a zoo.

However, he believes that releasing Harriet into the wild would only result in her being hurt or killed.

He said: "Badgers are companion animals, they are a social animal and unfortunately for Harriet she has decided that humans are her social group.

"Can you imagine Harriet approaching someone on a dog walk or in the street?

"There is only one way that would end."

He said a zoo would also be unsuitable for Harriet, arguing she would become lonely and suffer unnecessary distress.

"Harriet's upbringing means she needs human interaction, not to be put behind glass and stared at," he said.

Wilson said he would keeping fighting to hold on to Harriet.

However, he admitted there may not be a lot he can do, despite having the support of several badger rescue groups in Scotland.

Police Scotland has been made aware of the situation.

NatureScot said talks were ongoing to try to find a way to resolve the issue.

"We are continuing discussions with Mr Wilson and other relevant organisations to try and find a pragmatic solution to this individual situation," said a spokesperson.

"The welfare of the badger is, of course, key while we consider the circumstances of the case."

Scottish SPCA advice is that any badger cub discovered outside its sett before it is about 12 weeks old - or about the size of a domestic cat - is likely to need help.

It said any member of the public coming across a sick or injured badger should not attempt to hold or touch the animal until one of its rescue officers arrives.

"Badgers can become aggressive if they are in pain or feel threatened; they can give a nasty bite and their sharp claws could cause serious injury, if you try to catch it," it said.

"You should also contact us if you find a badger during daylight hours as they may be struggling."