WildlifeCo have undertaken badger survey and mitigation for badger problems over many areas of Great Britain, from planning applications to development projects, ancient historical monuments, reservoir development and subsidence of property. Surveys can be carried out at any time of the year, although the optimum time is during late Winter into Spring. At this time of the year, field sign such as badger setts, badger runs (or paths), latrines, hairs on wire and evidence of digging for food, are easier to see as vegetation is less developed. If you think your badger problems require a sett closure then take a look at our page here.
Bait Marking
Bait marking is carried out to determine the social group structure of badgers. Bait is mixed with small plastic pellets (harmless to badgers) and placed around the sett. The plastic pellets pass through the badgers digestive system and show up in their faeces. A different colour is used at each sett enabling the surveyor to determine which setts are in each social group. This technique can be used if a sett needs to be closed and an alternative sett within the social group can be inhabited by these badgers. After feeding the bait over several days, the area is surveyed for latrines and social groups can then be identified.
Surveillance
Night vision cameras are a non-intrusive method of monitoring badger activity on setts. Infrared cameras can remain in position on badger setts for prolonged periods of time without causing any disturbance to badgers. This allows the badgers present to behave naturally on sett. The photographic data recorded provides us with information such as the date, time and frequency of activity. Badger behaviour can also be determined as the cameras have video recording capability.
