What to do if you find a blocked badger sett.

Badgers and their setts are protected by law under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and therefore any sett which has been interfered with either by blocking, digging or any other suspicious activity, needs to be reported to the police.

It is also important to report it to us as we can advise on what to do next and can also follow it up with the police if necessary.

For your own safety, never approach anyone interfering with a badger sett, remain at a safe distance and call 999 immediately.

Never attempt to unblock a sett without first seeking advice from us on 07850 604585 (or your local badger group), as you may be putting yourself at risk from any dangerous substance that may have been put in the sett before it was blocked.

Sadly, there have been incidents in the past where chemicals have been used which are not only lethal
to badgers, but also to humans and whilst we recognise that the incident rate for this is low, it is still a risk, and advice from your local badger group must always be sought.

If it is safe to do so, take photographs and record the location with either a 10 figure grid reference or a what.3.words location and then telephone the Somerset Badger Group 24/7 helpline on 07850 604585 for advice. Put this numbers in your phone as you never know when you might need it.

Remember – whenever you are out sett surveying it is important to always carry disposable gloves, a facemask and a means of recording an accurate location.

We have included examples of blocked setts to help you identify when a sett has been damaged or blocked.