By Isle of Wight Observer
There have been two incidents of badgers being targeted on the Island over the last two weeks.
The first took place last Thursday, when the IW Badger Trust was called out to Whitwell after Izzi, from Vectis Equine Vets, found a female badger in distress in a horse paddock and stayed with her until the Trust’s arrival.
Friends of the Animals arranged for this badger to be seen by The Carisbrooke Vets, where sadly she had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds.
A Badger Trust spokesman said: “This strongly looks to be a case of poisoning, and it has been reported to the police and to WIIS (Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme) at Natural England.
“Once again, we will most likely have to take her over to the mainland for testing, as WIIS found it difficult last time getting a refrigerated van over to the Island.
“We were out in the area this week looking around and chatting with dog walkers, but anyone who lives in Whitwell, please look out for anything suspicious and sick wildlife. If you walk your dogs in the area – keep them close, keep them safe.
“As always – if anyone has information that would be helpful in this case, please send a confidential message through our page and we will pass it on to the investigating authorities.”
Then, on Saturday, it was reported that concrete had been dumped in a sett in Freshwater.
The badger sett has collapsed and the police have been informed along with the local ecology officer.
It comes just five months following a police investigation at the same sett after two entrance holes were deliberately filled in. The badger breeding season continues until July.