Threats to Badgers
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BAITING
- Thousands of badgers each year are mercilessly
killed by the cruel activity of baiting. This involves digging
into a sett to locate the badgers and then pitting them against
dogs, usually several dogs to one badger. If caught, the baiters
can receive a prison sentence. Lamping is another way that
baiters can acquire badgers for fighting. This involves catching
badgers using a net. They may then be transported to another
location for the baiting. |
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ROADS - It
is estimated that around 45,000 badgers are killed on the road in the UK
each year. |
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DEVELOPMENT - The
main threat of development to badgers, and many other wildlife species,
is loss of habitat. Development decreases feeding grounds which are
vital to sustain present and future badger populations. It is estimated
that 50% of new born cubs die of starvation due to loss of feeding
grounds. Another hazard that comes with development is new roads that
cross badger paths, which often results in an increase in road
fatalities. |
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OTHER - Other
threats to badgers are numerous and include illegal poisoning, snaring
and shooting. Also hazards are accidental destruction of setts, railway
fatalities and legal culling by Government bodies, e.g.
Ministry of Agriculture (MAFF). These activities cause the death of many
thousands of badgers every year. |
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