Badger Signs
 A badger sett is a system of underground tunnels and nesting chambers lined
with bedding materials such as grass and leaves. Outside the sett, there will
typically be prominent paths which lead between the holes, as well as obvious
spoil heaps of excavated soil. Within a few metres of the sett, there may also
be latrine areas in which badgers defecate. Bundles of discarded bedding which may be
scattered around a sett entrance and a nearby tree may show claw marks, where
the animals have scratched and cleaned their claws on the bark.
 Proof of badgers in residence can be provided by footprints, or hairs, on or in
the soil of the spoil heap. Often setts have spoil heaps outside, these being
evidence of the extensive labyrinth of tunnels which may be underground.
Badger footprints are very distinctive. Broader than they are long with five
toes and five long claws often being detectable. Unlike the cat, the badger can
not retract his claws. Being a heavy animal for his size, well worn paths
develop as the badger travels over the same ground again and again. When walking
the badger will often put the back foot on the front footprint, making
footprints rather smudgy. |
