By Mal Butler
Badgers have begun to re-enter a blocked sett in Colwell in a determined effort to reach their cubs, following an incident that is now under police investigation.
Badger setts are protected in law, yet two entrance holes were deliberately filled in on Friday morning. It is understood that cubs were inside at the time, and a member of the public reportedly witnessed someone blocking the sett before concerned residents alerted the authorities.
Graham Lee of the Badger Trust had urged people not to interfere or try to dig out the cubs, as often the mothers will return and sort out the problem themselves.
After visiting the site, he said: “After the deliberate blocking of the badger sett, it was reported to the police as a wildlife crime.
“Badgers and their setts are protected in law by the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, and it was reported to the police, where it was tasked as a priority. Yesterday (Thursday) I was contacted by the police who told me a Countrywatch officer in Bishops Waltham had launched an investigation.
“Over the weekend, I heard that local residents, who were clearly angry that this has happened, wanted to go and dig out the blocked entrance holes, but this would have done more damage and could be classed as an offence by digging at a sett, so I asked them to leave it alone.
“Natural England, who are the government department for licensing on badger setts, were also contacted for advice.
“Thankfully, everyone stayed calm and took my advice. The badgers came back again, as we hoped, and by yesterday afternoon, they had opened up the second entrance hole, so both blockages are now clear. The family should be back together again.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting reference 44250381156.
Isle of Wight Observer