Best practice, made practical: Badger Trust rescue guidance supporting badgers this spring

Badger Trust launches visual rescue and rehabilitation fact sheets to help wildlife for rescuers and veterinary professionals.

Spring is a critical time for badgers. Cubs are born in February, and as adults roam further for food and mating, road traffic collisions and territorial conflicts increase. Local badger groups and wildlife rescue centres enter their busiest season, responding to a surge in rescue incidents. Quick, confident action can make all the difference for injured adults and vulnerable cubs, whether from collisions, other injuries, or time-critical rescues when lactating females are involved.

To support rescuers and veterinary teams, Badger Trust has released a series of visual fact sheets that translate the agreed national badger rescue protocol into practical, easy-to-use guidance, ensuring injured badgers receive the right care from the moment they are found.

These resources allow badger group volunteers, wildlife rescuers and vets to respond faster, safer, and more consistently, giving badgers quick, decisive treatment and minimising suffering.

Making badger rescue guidance clear and accessible

Badger rescue involves complex legal, welfare, and clinical considerations. The new fact sheets break this guidance into clear, step-by-step visual instructions, helping trained rescuers and veterinary professionals make informed decisions quickly.

The Fact Sheet series covers:

• Starting a rescue service

• Legal considerations

• Safe capture, handling, transport & release

• Veterinary assessment and treatment

• Rehabilitation and outcomes

• Cub rescue and artificial sett guidance

  
  

Badger Trust works with over fifty local badger groups and there are various wildlife rescue centres nationally who support injured or poorly badgers. With a range of experience among rescuers, the fact sheets also provide vets in general practice with practical guidance and tools to deliver emergency care successfully to badger casualties.

"Every spring, badgers face higher risks. Our fact sheets give rescuers and vets the confidence to act quickly and compassionately, ensuring the best outcomes for adults and vulnerable cubs," Sally Jones, Groups Manager, Badger Trust.

Developed with a group of specialists including vets and experienced rehabilitators, the resources make nationally agreed best practice practical and accessible for every stage of rescue.

It is important to note that badgers should only be rescued by trained professionals. They are strong wild animals so members of the public should always contact a local rescue group or veterinary professional for advice, and follow instructions to keep both themselves and the badger safe.

These fact sheets reflect the strength of collaboration across the wildlife care community, combining veterinary expertise, rehabilitation experience, and conservation knowledge. They are more than guidance documents, they are a shared commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care.

How you can help badgers this spring

You can make a real difference by:

• Reporting injured badgers to your local badger group, wildlife rescue centre or RSPCA.

• Driving carefully on roads, especially at night

• Supporting Badger Trust through donations or membership

• Joining your local badger group to get involved. 

• Sharing these resources with veterinary and wildlife professionals