AI Image
Man fighting for custody of badger he nursed back from starvation
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Ecologist Graeme Wilson rescued a badger cub named Harriet in the Scottish Borders and is seeking an educational licence to keep her, arguing she cannot be returned to the wild due to her hand-reared upbringing.
- NatureScot denied Wilson's licence application but is engaged in talks to find a "pragmatic solution," emphasizing the welfare of the badger as a priority.
- Wilson contends that releasing Harriet into the wild or sending her to a zoo would be harmful, as she is socially bonded to humans and would likely suffer distress or danger.
- Despite support from badger rescue groups, Wilson faces challenges in retaining custody of Harriet, with Police Scotland informed of the situation.
- The Scottish SPCA advises the public not to handle badgers found outside their setts and recommends contacting rescue officers due to potential aggression and injury risks.
