By Sohaib Shams
An ecologist in the Scottish Borders is battling to retain custody of a badger he rescued from starvation, arguing the animal cannot survive in the wild after becoming habituated to humans.
Rescue and rehabilitation
Graeme Wilson, who runs GW Ecology from his home in Denholm, was called in April to help a cub later named Harriet. She was found in a cattle trough about 100 metres from her sett. Wilson nursed her back to health but concluded she had been hand-reared before his intervention, making release impossible.
Licence application denied
NatureScot, the public body responsible for Scotland’s natural heritage, rejected Wilson’s application for an educational licence to keep Harriet. The agency said the badger should be returned to the wild or placed in a zoo. Wilson contends that release would likely lead to her injury or death, and that a zoo would cause distress because she seeks human interaction.
Ongoing discussions
NatureScot said talks continue with Wilson and other organisations to find a “pragmatic solution,” emphasising the animal’s welfare. Police Scotland has been made aware of the situation. Wilson, supported by several badger rescue groups, vows to keep fighting for Harriet.
Public safety advice
The Scottish SPCA advises the public not to touch sick or injured badgers, noting they can bite and cause serious injury. It recommends contacting rescue officers if a cub is found outside its sett before about 12 weeks of age.
