An ecologist in the Scottish Borders is campaigning to be allowed to keep a badger he saved from starvation. Graeme Wilson rescued the cub, named Harriet, in April after she was discovered in a cattle trough.
Mr Wilson, who runs GW Ecology, nursed Harriet back to health. He believes she was hand-reared before he found her and argues that releasing her into the wild would lead to her being hurt or killed. He also stated that a zoo would be unsuitable, as Harriet needs human interaction.
NatureScot, the public body for Scotland's natural heritage, turned down his application for an educational licence. They advised that Harriet should be returned to the wild or placed in a zoo, but are continuing discussions to find a "pragmatic solution". Police Scotland has been made aware of the situation.
Paul Reynolds, chair of the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (BWRC), highlighted that wildlife rehabilitation is a specialist area. The BWRC opposes the use of wild animals as educational animals and their permanent captivity, stating that habituation to humans should not automatically justify it.
The Scottish SPCA advises that any badger cub found outside its sett before it is about 12 weeks old likely needs help. They also caution the public against attempting to hold or touch sick or injured badgers due to potential aggression and serious injury.