By Friday 18 04 2025 we had recorded 33 dead (reported) badgers in our area.
We have just recorded the 20th death so either people are simply not bothering to report badger deaths OR the death toll year after year has finally caught up with our badgers and there are not as many.
With the cull and cars (and illegal killing of badgers) I think we have reached a population crisis point.
Urgent action should be taken but no one from national or local government cares. Development of green sites and no interest in conservation is dictated by the £ and corruption.
I have now informed a website -Badgerlands- a number of times in recent years of our contact details. This is what people see when they check out local groups:
The Avon Badger Group c/o RSPCA, 78 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8BN. Phone. Phone 07776 090 816
That information was out of date in 1995. I have no idea why they will not correct details so people can contact the existing group of the last 30 odd years.
I wish I could post some better news but the 20th dead badger was reported yesterday evening bringing the total this year to 20 (known).
Unfortunately, we were all betrayed in the City when we decided to vote in a Green Party controlled Council which, like the Long Ashton Parish Council, has no interest in wildlife or the environment. Development and £ are far more important.
What applies to foxes also applies to badgers at this time of year/
above: lactating badger (c)2026 BBG
If you see a dead badger(or fox) PLEASE stop and check if it has extended teats and is lactating. If it is a lactating sow then call Bristol Wildlife Rescue as soon as possible as there may be orphaned badger/fox cubs that need rescuing.
It only needs a quick check but it could save orphaned cubs.
Food conflict is the biggest problem when it comes to badgers and foxes.
A big plate of food or food dumped in one spot is, firstly, not a good idea when it is done daily as it will create biological hazards for the animals eating from the spot.
For social media "Likes" placing food on one spot ns your camera catches it all is not good. Try to move the food around to different areas unless you bowl feed in which case the bowl needs daily washing and any water bowl ditto.
Most clips of badger-fox conflict (around 96%) involve food. I've seen a fox and badger on video tug-of-war a rat the fox killed and food is THE most important thing to wildlife and when there are young to be fed even more important as vixens and sows will face any danger to protect/feed their young.
1. Try to feed in separate areas if you can or throw food out when the animal in question appears.
2. If you have decided to feed wildlife then it is your responsibility to think through how and where you are feeding and what.
3. Apart from making a noise to break up any squabble never ever attempt to physically "break up" a fight. The badger-fox may have no intention of deliberately harming you but they both have teeth and you put your hand/fingers in during a fight.... think how much a prosthetic finger(s) cost.
Just be responsible and think intelligently as these are not "garden fluff babies"!
