Badger Signs

A badger sett is a system of tunnels and nesting chambers lined with bedding such as grass, moss and leaves. Outside the sett, there will 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 be latrines in which badgers defecate. Bundles of discarded bedding may be scattered around an 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, latrines, or hairs on the soil of the spoil heap. Often setts have spoil heaps outside, these being evidence of the extensive labyrinth of underground tunnels.

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.