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Overview

The badger is a member of the weasel family. They live in social groups of usually six to nine adults in underground burrow systems known as setts. Badgers are nocturnal animals and their main food source are earthworms but they will also take insect larvae, young and small mammals, eggs, hedgerow fruits, wild bulbs and roots, along with various farm and garden vegetable crops.

Badgers can damage gardens, structures and crops whilst trying to find a good food source and this can cause considerable distress with householders and businesses.

How do I get rid of them?

Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 , which makes it illegal to kill, injure or take badgers or to interfere with a badger sett. However, there is a provision within the legislation that allows action to be taken under a licence from Natural England to prevent serious damage to property.

Natural England provides detailed advice and information on badgers or further guidance and practical advice on badgers and the prevention of damage.

We will collect dead animals (for example, foxes, badgers, deer, dogs and cats) found on public highways, verges or other public land.  We don't collect from private land.