An ecologist in the Scottish Borders is seeking permission to keep Harriet, a badger cub he rescued from a cattle trough and nursed back to health. Graeme Wilson says the animal would be at risk if released into the wild because she is accustomed to people and may have been hand-reared.

Wilson was called to help Harriet in April after she was found about 100 metres from her sett. He runs GW Ecology, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation service from his home in Denholm, and also leads educational events and wildlife walks.

He says Harriet responded to bottle-feeding almost immediately and believes she cannot be returned to her original environment. Wilson argues that an educational licence would let him teach the public about badgers and wildlife care. NatureScot rejected his application for such a licence and, according to Wilson, said Harriet should be released or sent to a zoo. He considers either option unsuitable, saying a release could end with her being hurt or killed and that a zoo would leave her isolated.

NatureScot said it is continuing discussions with Wilson and other relevant organisations to seek a “pragmatic solution”. A spokesperson said the badger’s welfare was central to its consideration of the case. Police Scotland has also been made aware of the situation.

Paul Reynolds, chair of the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, said wildlife rehabilitation requires suitable facilities, specialist care, veterinary input and an understanding of each animal’s behavioural and ecological needs. He said the council opposes using wild animals for education and keeping them permanently in captivity, adding that becoming accustomed to people should not by itself justify lifelong captivity.

The Scottish SPCA advises that badger cubs found outside their sett before about 12 weeks of age may need help. It urges members of the public not to touch or try to catch sick or injured badgers, warning that they can bite or cause injuries with their claws. It also recommends contacting the organisation if a badger is seen during daylight hours.

Sources: BBC News UK.