badger and a fox together

trustf1 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 10:06 AM

Hi everybody, the reason i have joined this forum is to learn about badgers and foxes,the reason why is i live on a new estate in blackley,manchester and have seen 3 times in the early hours is a badger and a fox out together on the estate, not fighting but actual running around looking for food and there never more than 5ft apart, i did not know that a badger and a fox would tolerate each other never mind running around like friends, is this a common thing,and also its the first time i have ever seen a badger with was just amazing, is there anything i can do to help them food wise,i hide behind the curtains so i dont scare them off and for the same reason not told my neighbours, any help or advice would be great,thank you for your time

ogwen · #2 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 10:16 AM

Hi trustf1 welcome to WAB

.
I cant help you with ur question but there's plenty of people on here who can.
Enjoy...

wilddawn · #3 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 10:59 AM

Hi, I'm in Middleton not far from you

I think it's wise not to tell your neighbours but there's a good chance they'll notice anyway. I just hope they leave them alone, it's exciting to think there's a badger nearby, it's my husbands favorite wild animal.

Kayleigh · #4 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 12:43 PM

Hi trustf1 and welcome to the site.

trustf1 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 06:29 PM

i was so excited to see a badger especially up close as i have never seen a badger before apart from the tv, and there a lot bigger than i thought as well.i can hear its claws on the floor before i see him or her.it was just amazing to see

Geoff F · #6 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 07:53 PM

According to old country legend, the Bogart is a cross between a fox and a badger. Having the strength of a badger and the cunning of a fox. Anybody else remember this old tale?

Actually, they both adapt to town life and in the country, if there is plenty of food around, there is no reason why they can't tolerate each other within reason. Particularly if they are both young animals.

trustf1 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 08:33 AM

thanks for that geoff

ChrisJB · #8 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 07:55 PM

Hi Trust. Try putting out unsalted peanuts for the badger, they love 'em. They like sultanas too. A lass I work with lives in Blackley.
And Wilddawn, I have a good pal who lives in Middleton.

Regards, Chris

Words · #9 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 11:29 PM

Badgers and foxes are usually tolerant of each other, but things can get a bit hairy if there are very young ones about (badgers have been known to destroy young litters, and occasionally an adult fox). They're more likely to skirt around each other than fight though. Foxes will like the sultanas as well, and probably peanuts (they like peanut butter for sure).

It must be great to see them both together. We've very occasionally had a badger in the garden (I was absolutely thrilled the first time it happened) but never at the same time as the very frequent foxes. Badgers are quite large aren't they! It sounds like these two have the territorial issues under control, so just enjoy!

ellen h · #10 (**permalink**) 07-06-2008, 09:24 PM

Years ago an aunt of mine had a fox earth at the top of her garden under a shed.It was used for about 2 years by foxes,then it was taken over by badgers.Over the years it grew to quite a family,at the time of my aunts death around 12-15 badgers could be seen in the garden.They never dug her garden up as they are prone to do-looking for earthworms,especially after rain-and she always said it was because she fed them raw peanuts and jam sandwiches!!The foxes quite often shared the meal.Only occasionally would there be any bickering and the bolshy badger usually won the argument!
Ellen