Man Fights to Keep Badger He Rescued, Citing Its Inability to Survive in the Wild

Graeme Wilson, an ecologist in the Scottish Borders, is in a dispute with NatureScot, the public body responsible for Scotland's natural heritage, over keeping a badger cub named Harriet that he rescued. Wilson found Harriet in April after she was discovered alone in a cattle trough, appearing to be suffering from starvation.

Wilson, who runs GW Ecology, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation service, nursed Harriet back to health. He believes that the badger was hand-reared before he found her, making her unable to survive if released back into the wild. "It was almost second nature when she saw the bottle," Wilson stated, describing how quickly the cub took to being bottle-fed. He asserts that Harriet views humans as her social group and would likely face harm or death if returned to her natural habitat.

NatureScot turned down Wilson's application for an educational license to keep Harriet. The organization suggested she should either be reintroduced to the wild or sent to a zoo. Wilson argues that a zoo would be unsuitable, as Harriet would become lonely and distressed. He believes an educational license would allow him to increase public understanding of badgers and wildlife care. "Badgers are companion animals, they are a social animal and unfortunately for Harriet she has decided that humans are her social group," he explained.

Despite support from badger rescue groups, Wilson acknowledges his options may be limited. He has been in contact with Police Scotland regarding the situation.

A spokesperson for NatureScot said that discussions are ongoing with Wilson and other relevant organizations to find a "pragmatic solution." The welfare of the badger remains a primary concern during these considerations.

The Scottish SPCA advises the public not to approach or touch sick or injured badgers, noting they can become aggressive when in pain or feeling threatened. They recommend contacting rescue officers if a badger cub is found outside its sett before it reaches approximately 12 weeks old, or if a badger is found during daylight hours.