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Originally Posted by wildone NigelP Could you please give some of the manifold problems you say that Badgers cause. Thanks |
Damage
Damage to lawns Badgers are an adaptable species and are good at exploiting the range of foods available in urban areas. Not least among these is the food specifically put out for them by householders. However, they also eat invertebrates and may dig shallow pits in lawns when foraging. This is often what brings
Badgers into conflict with householders. Earthworms are mostly taken from the surface of the ground but, during dry conditions, damage to the turf can occur. The presence of insect larvae such as those of cockchafer and crane-fly (leatherjackets) can damage a lawn and may also attract
Badgers. Rooting by
Badgers to feed on these larvae can make an existing problem worse. This kind of damage is usually short-lived and likely to be most pronounced in late Autumn and early Spring. Additional problems can be experienced when
Badger latrines (dung pits), which are used to mark the boundaries of territories, are sited in gardens.
Damage to fruits and vegetables Badgers are particularly partial to strawberries and raspberries and may damage soft fruit crops. They have been known to break the lower branches of fruit trees whilst feeding on apples, pears and plums, and they also eat vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and sweetcorn. Even flower bulbs may be dug up and eaten.
Raiding of dustbins Badgers will often over-turn dustbins in their search for food, especially during hot, dry summers when other sources of food may be limited.
Damage to structures Badger setts can be large, with extensive tunnel systems. When excavated beneath structures such as buildings, roads or fences, there may be a risk of subsidence. There is also potential for damage to electrical cabling and other services. Advice should be sought from Defra at an early stage if
Badger activity appears to be causing damage to a structure. In cases where serious damage is being or is likely to be caused, action that affects the sett may be allowed under a licence from Defra.
Damage to agricultural land ie. digging setts into bankings, out into the field causing weak spots and therefore causing a danger to machinery working on the land. Damage to crops etc.
The TB situation, although this is QED.