Badger cubs rescued ten days after mum killed by car

Two orphaned badger cubs have been rescued ten days after their mum was killed by a car on the road.

The dead animal was discovered in South Lanarkshire by a volunteer at Scottish Badgers who realised the female was still lactating and likely had dependant cubs.

Volunteers of the Scottish Badgers South Lanarkshire branch started looking for any nearby setts where the cubs could be.

The Operations Coordinator for Scottish Badgers said: “Fortunately at this age, cubs are big enough to be able to come above ground, and after monitoring a suitable sett, two small cubs were seen above ground looking subdued and out during the daytime.

“Trail cameras were put out, and while another adult was found to be present, there was no sign it was assisting feeding the cubs.

“One cub was caught almost straight away, however the second one took a full week before finally being caught on Tuesday morning.”

The cubs have been named Bracken and Bluebell and are currently safe and well at Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre.

“These cubs came in weighing two kilograms, and will be reared until they reach between eight and ten kilograms.

“When they are old and big enough they will be re-released back into the wild.

“This will happen at an undisclosed location as unfortunately badgers are still heavily persecuted.

“After spotting a badger alone during the daytime, away from a sett, people are urged to call their local wildlife rescue or the SSPCA and not attempt to rear them themselves, as they are still wild animals.”