Badgers at Heligan

These distinctive mammals are instantly recognisable, yet few of us have caught a glimpse of them in the wild. They are almost entirely nocturnal and emerge after dark from underground setts. Evidence of badger activity is best spotted along Bottle Dump Hill where you can see disused sett entrances. Tell-tale signs of vegetation-free spoil (earth) heaps at sett entrances, straw bedding and hairs indicate that the sett is in use. Other signs to look for in Lost Valley and beyond: wide paw, toe and claw imprints in soft mud and claw marks/scratches in the muddy banks bordering the paths, where they scrabble up and down during night-time hunting trips. Look out for badger latrines (faeces in shallow hollows) near field edges, which are dug by the dominant male (boar) to mark his territory.

Recognition and Habitat

Size: body 75cm, tail 15cm. Black and white facial stripes, body covered in grey fur, large paws with long claws for digging. Related to otters, stoats and weasels. Widespread in Britain; habitats generally lowland woodland, farmland, pasture and some urban environments. Live communally in a sett; a complex of tunnels that end in hay/straw lined chambers.  

Predators and Prey

No mammalian predators in 21st century. Historic predators; large cat, bear and wolf. Rely heavily on their excellent sense of smell to find food. Omnivorous diet; mainly earthworms (100/200 per night) and slugs, also eat small invertebrates, fruit, nuts, roots and crops. Long claws and strong forelimbs make them the only natural predator of hedgehogs. Hunt in daytime if ground is dry and worms hard to find.

Life Cycle

Very social, nocturnal creatures, 4-12 adults per matriarchal group. One or two females (sows) in a group breed each season; cubs are born in February and remain underground until late April/May. 

Legal and Conservation Status

It is an offence to damage or obstruct badger setts. Debate continues about transmission of bovine tuberculosis (TB) between cattle and badgers. UK population 300,000 of which 20% will die on roads.

Did you know?

Delayed implantation of the egg in the uterus means that badgers can mate all year round yet cubs are always born in February. This phenomenon ensures cubs are given maximum time to develop and grow strong before winter.