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Scientist fighting to keep badger he saved from starvation
Graeme Wilson says Harriet was hand-reared and distressed by release attempts, while a petition backing his licence has drawn hundreds of signatures.
- NatureScot refused Ecologist Graeme Wilson's application for an educational license to keep Harriet, a badger he rescued 100 meters from her sett near Denholm. Wilson believes the cub was previously hand-reared and cannot survive in the wild.
- Wilson rescued the 'thin and dirty' cub after finding her starving in a cattle trough near Denholm. She became so accustomed to humans that she 'ran back and stood by the crate as if to say take me home' when he attempted release.
- The British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Scottish Badgers, and the Badger Trust 'firmly oppose' permanent captivity and suspended Wilson's membership. They called it a 'deeply sad outcome' that improper practice made her accustomed to human contact.
- With options 'extremely limited,' Wilson warned he may release Harriet after this weekend if circumstances remain unchanged. NatureScot stated they are 'continuing discussions' with relevant organizations to find a pragmatic solution regarding the badger's welfare.
- Wilson remains defiant, stating, 'If it cannot be released, but it can be kept humanely in captivity, then that's what would happen.' Wildlife experts argue suggesting a sanctuary demonstrates a 'fundamental lack of understanding' of badger welfare needs.
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46 Articles
46 Articles
When Graeme Wilson first saw Harriet, the badger was skinny, dirty and so weak that she would hardly have survived without help. The Scottish conservationist spent months caring for the animal, which eventually became completely accustomed to human presence. Now he could lose her: the authorities have rejected his application for permission to keep Harriet. The man is […]
Coverage Details
Total News Sources46
Leaning Left8Leaning Right9Center27Last UpdatedBias Distribution61% Center
Bias Distribution
- 61% of the sources are Center
61% Center
L 18%
C 61%
R 21%
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