Badgers at Mallory Meadows
We have a Badgers sett at Mallory Meadows. Badgers are excellent diggers, and are known for their intricate underground burrows, known as setts. The Badger Clan of Mallory Meadows are often busy, and we have managed to capture a few videos of them making improvements to their sett.
Exploring:
Collecting leaves:
Here is a Badger quickly gathering some leaves to use as bedding in their sett.
Foraging:
Often depicted as wise and intelligent creatures, they will explore at night, looking for food and will rarely be seen during the day.
Why not book a stay at Mallory Meadows and see if you can spot one of the Badgers living here.
Information
Familiar Species
The badger species found in the UK is the European badger (Meles meles). This species is known for its black and white facial markings and its nocturnal habits.
Nocturnal Explorers
UK badgers are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. They have well-developed senses of smell and hearing, which they use to locate food and detect potential predators.
Sett Sites
Badgers in the UK live in burrow systems called “setts.” A sett can be quite complex, with multiple entrances, chambers, and tunnels. These setts can be found in woodlands, hedgerows, and grasslands.
Social Groups
UK badgers live in family groups known as “clans” or “families.” A typical family group consists of a mother, her cubs, and sometimes other related adults.
Nocturnal Chorus
Badgers are known for their vocalizations, which can include grunts, squeaks, and snarls. These sounds are often heard during their nightly activities and interactions.
Favourite Foods
In the UK, badgers have a diverse diet that includes earthworms, insects, fruits, small mammals, and even bird eggs. They use their strong claws to dig into the ground in search of their favorite food, earthworms.
Scent Marking
Like many other animals, badgers mark their territory with scent. They have scent glands located near the base of their tail, and they use these to leave their unique scent on rocks, trees, and other surfaces.
Culling Controversy
Badgers in the UK have been a subject of controversy due to concerns about their potential role in transmitting bovine tuberculosis (bTB) to cattle. This has led to culling programs aimed at controlling the spread of the disease, which has sparked debates between conservationists and farmers.
Historical Folklore
Badgers have a rich history in British folklore and culture. They are often depicted as wise and secretive creatures. In some stories, badgers are portrayed as guides to the spirit world.
Protected Species
Badgers are a protected species in the UK under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. This legislation makes it illegal to harm, kill, or disturb badgers or their setts without a license.
Road Safety
Badgers are unfortunately often victims of road accidents in the UK. Their nocturnal habits and the layout of their setts near roads contribute to this vulnerability. Please take care when driving near Mallory Meadows.
Hibernation Habits
While badgers don’t hibernate in the traditional sense, they can become less active during the winter months. They may spend more time in their setts and enter a state of torpor to conserve energy.
Fun facts
Playful Tussling
Badger cubs, like many young animals, can engage in playful behaviors that might include mock wrestling or chasing each other around the sett entrance. This behavior is not only adorable but also serves as a way for them to practice and develop their physical skills.
Sniffing Around
Badgers have an excellent sense of smell, and it’s amusing to watch them using their noses to investigate their surroundings. They might engage in a bit of curious sniffing when exploring new areas.
Fruit Foraging
Badgers have a varied diet that includes fruits and berries. Observing them picking and eating fruits with their paws, and sometimes getting a bit messy in the process, can be quite entertaining.
Tunnel Play
Badger setts often consist of intricate tunnel systems, and sometimes you might catch a badger peeking its head out of an entrance or playfully poking its nose in and out of a tunnel opening.
Paws Up
Badgers use their strong front paws for digging, and it’s amusing to see them sit on their haunches and lift their paws, sometimes in a way that looks almost like they’re waving or trying to reach something.
Synchronised Grooming
Badgers in a social group might engage in synchronised grooming, where they take turns grooming each other’s fur. This behavior helps strengthen social bonds within the clan and can be a comical sight.
Curious Expressions
Badgers have distinct facial markings, and their expressions can sometimes appear a bit comical due to their unique features. The bold black and white stripes on their faces can give them an expressive and curious look.
Chasing Their Tails
Just like some dogs, badgers have been known to playfully chase their own tails. While this behavior might not be as common as in some other animals, it’s amusing to witness.
Tidying Up
Badgers are known for being meticulous about their setts. They might be seen rearranging bedding, adjusting leaves, or even dragging objects into their burrows, which can come across as endearingly tidy.
Stomping and Snorting
When startled or threatened, badgers might stomp their feet on the ground and emit short snorting sounds as a defensive display. While this behavior is meant to deter potential threats, it might seem a bit comical to human observers.