Found an injured or sick badger?
We provide advice and rescue support for badgers across Sussex. Find out what to do if you have found an injured, trapped, orphaned or distressed badger.
Badger rescue for common Sussex emergencies
Whether you have found an injured badger on a road, in a garden, caught in fencing or apparently unwell, the first priority is keeping both the animal and people safe.
Injured badger
A badger that has been hit by a vehicle, attacked by a dog, injured in a fight or found with visible wounds may need urgent professional help.
Badger on the road
Road casualties can be dangerous to approach. Stay safe, keep clear of traffic and contact an appropriate rescue service for advice. For dead badgers please report location to the Badger Trust.
Trapped badger
Badgers can become caught in fencing, netting, drains and other structures. Do not attempt a risky rescue yourself.
Badger cubs
A young badger found alone is not necessarily abandoned. Get expert advice before moving a cub or disturbing a sett.
Badger found in a garden
A badger resting during the daytime may be injured, frightened or displaced. Keep dogs away and seek advice.
Badger sett concerns
Badger setts are protected. If you are concerned about damage, disturbance or development near a sett, seek specialist advice before taking action.
What to do if you find a badger
Your safety comes first. Badgers are powerful wild animals and even an injured or unconscious animal can react suddenly.
Do
- Keep your distance.
- Keep children and dogs away.
- Stay aware of traffic if the badger is on a road.
- Contact an experienced wildlife rescue service.
- Give the rescuer the exact location.
Don’t
- Do not try to pick up the badger.
- Do not put an injured badger in your car.
- Do not release a trapped badger without advice.
- Do not disturb a badger sett.
- Do not put yourself in danger on a busy road.
Badger rescue across Sussex
We help members of the public find appropriate advice and assistance for badgers across East and West Sussex, subject to our rescue area and availability.
Experienced help when a badger needs it
Badger rescue is specialist work. We work with appropriate wildlife professionals and local organisations to ensure badgers receive the right help.
Local knowledge
We understand the Sussex landscape, roads, wildlife corridors and common badger emergencies.
Animal-first approach
Our priority is the welfare and safe rehabilitation of the badger wherever treatment and release are possible.
Practical advice
If we are not the right organisation to attend, we can help direct you towards an appropriate local service.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I find an injured badger in Sussex?
Keep yourself, children and dogs at a safe distance and contact an experienced wildlife rescue organisation. Do not attempt to handle or transport the badger yourself.
Can I pick up an injured badger?
No. An injured or frightened badger can bite and cause serious injury. Contact a trained wildlife rescuer instead.
What if I find an injured badger lying in a road?
Your safety comes first. Do not enter a dangerous road to reach the animal. If safe, contact the appropriate emergency or wildlife service and give them the precise location. If the badger is dead report the precise location to the Badger Trust and we will be notified.
I found a badger in my garden. Is it injured?
Not necessarily. Badgers can occasionally shelter in gardens or other unusual places. Keep dogs away and seek advice before attempting to move the animal.
What should I do if I find a badger cub?
Do not automatically assume the cub has been abandoned. Contact a specialist for advice before moving it.
Are badger setts protected?
Yes. Badgers and their setts have legal protection. If you are concerned about a sett, obtain specialist advice before carrying out work that could disturb it.
Found a badger that needs help?
Don’t put yourself or the animal at risk. Contact us for advice about the situation and the next step.
Call for badger rescue 07850946538