Every year, the practice of hunting badgers underground, also known as “diggering,” can be authorized as early as May 15th with a simple prefectoral decree. This hunting practice, still tolerated in 11 French departments, is extremely violent for badgers and their young. On the occasion of World Badger Day, 30millionsdamis.fr once again denounces this cruelty.
In its 5th edition this year, World Badger Day, launched by the Association for the Protection of Wild Animals (ASPAS), a partner of the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation, is not coincidentally set on May 15th – the beginning of the anticipated badger hunt. “This practice is an aberration,” says Virginie Boyaval, president of the MELES association dedicated to badger rescue. Especially since the additional period takes place when the badger cubs are not yet weaned.
Whether in the forest or open field, badgers dig their own burrows. “It’s a real architect,” says Richard Holding, ASPAS communication manager on 30millionsdamis.fr. Their burrows are well organized, with multiple entrances and exits, passed down from generation to generation. However, they are not safe in their own habitat as hunters send dogs in before violently extracting the badgers with large metal tongs.
Unfortunately, badger cubs, still present in the burrows in mid-May, are not autonomous. “In theory, hunters are not allowed to kill the young ones, but many die from dog bites,” says R. Holding. These mammals are not very prolific – only 3 to 4 cubs are born annually, but half of them die before the age of 1. Each year, ASPAS sheds light on this scourge to convince prefects to postpone the start of the hunt.
“A Vital Ecological Role” “Many people are afraid of badgers,” notes Virginie Boyaval. “They think it’s an aggressive animal that can attack them.” Beware of misconceptions, because “it’s actually a very sociable animal,” corrects R. Holding. A variety of species are welcomed in badger burrows, including several protected species, all impacted by the underground hunting.
Farmers generally view badgers as “pests,” but they actually play a crucial role in the ecosystem, especially through their diet. “Badgers are omnivorous,” explains R. Holding. They eat many earthworms, cockchafers, small rodents, etc., and help spread vegetation through the seeds in their droppings.
“Rehabilitating about Fifty Badger Cubs in 20 Years” V. Boyaval has dedicated her life to rescuing badgers. “It’s been my fight for over 20 years,” she says. She has rehabilitated about fifty badger cubs so far. To learn how to care for these animals, she underwent special training in England, and she is dedicated to their cause.
Most badgers cared for by V. Boyaval are orphaned. When recovering these unweaned cubs, she follows a well-defined protocol to release them at the right time without them becoming attached to humans. Adult badgers are fewer in number but often found in serious condition. “We can’t save them all,” says Valérie Boyaval. Since January, she has cared for three adults, which is not excessive compared to other species like hedgehogs.
The 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation has long denounced underground hunting. Their petition has already gathered over 100,000 signatures. If you come across an injured badger, contact the MELES care center at 06 24 94 35 09.
