Ecologist seeks permission to keep rescued badger he says cannot return to wild

An ecologist in the Scottish Borders is seeking permission to keep a badger cub he rescued, arguing it has become too accustomed to people to survive if released into the wild.

Graeme Wilson said Harriet was found in a cattle trough about 100m from her sett in April. He nursed her back to health and believes she had been hand-reared before he found her. NatureScot rejected his application for an educational licence to keep the animal, but says it is still discussing a possible solution with him and other organisations.

Wilson, who runs a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation service from his home in Denholm, said Harriet took to a bottle almost immediately. He believes she would approach people if released and could be injured or killed. He also argues that a zoo would be unsuitable because she needs human contact.

NatureScot said the badger’s welfare was central to its consideration of the case. It has told Wilson that Harriet should be returned to the wild or sent to a zoo, according to the ecologist.

The Scottish SPCA advises people not to touch or try to catch sick or injured badgers, which can bite or cause serious injuries with their claws. It recommends contacting the charity if a badger is found during daylight or a cub is outside its sett before about 12 weeks old.

The outcome of the discussions over Harriet’s care remains unresolved.