October is an important time for badgers as they prepare for the colder months ahead. Although they do not truly hibernate, badgers tend to spend more time in their setts during periods of cold weather, conserving their energy and relying on food reserves built up during autumn.
Why October Matters for Badgers
According to Badger Trust, an estimated 50,000 badgers are killed on UK roads each year. With more land being taken up by housing and roads, the charity warns that badgers can face increasing pressure on their natural habitats.
While some homeowners may prefer to keep badgers out of their gardens, others are keen to help the fascinating creatures. And there are several simple ways to make your outdoor space more wildlife-friendly.
Encouraging Natural Foraging
One of the best ways to encourage badgers into your garden is to create a space where they can naturally forage and explore, rather than trying to lure them in with food. Badgers have an excellent sense of smell and may visit gardens at night searching for natural food sources including earthworms, grubs, snails and slugs.
Leaving areas of your garden suitable for wildlife can therefore provide opportunities for badgers to forage naturally. Rather than deliberately putting food out to attract badgers, allow them to search for their natural prey in lawns and borders. You might even notice evidence of a nighttime visit, such as small holes or patches of scratched-up turf where badgers have been searching for food.
Using Cameras and Providing Water
Badgers are nocturnal, meaning you may never spot one during the day. A wildlife or trail camera can allow you to find out whether badgers are visiting your garden without disturbing them. Badger Trust recommends placing cameras securely on your own property, such as on a garden fence post.
A shallow bowl of fresh water can benefit garden wildlife, particularly during hot or dry periods. Make sure it is placed somewhere safe and easy for animals to access.
Giving Badgers Space
If badgers do start visiting your garden, resist the temptation to approach them or try to get closer. They are wild animals and should be allowed to come and go without interference. Badger Trust also stresses that badgers and their setts are protected, so homeowners should never attempt to disturb an active sett.
If you discover badgers visiting your garden, one of the best things you can do is leave them undisturbed and give plenty of space. Badgers and their setts are protected, and deliberately disturbing them is illegal. Rather than trying to approach or move them on, homeowners can simply allow the animals to come and go naturally. Badger Trust encourages people to create more space for wildlife and healthy ecosystems, and having badgers visit your garden can be a sign that it provides opportunities for wildlife to forage.
There is no guarantee a badger will visit your garden, but if your property falls within an existing foraging route, you may already have nighttime visitors without realising it. Badgers can travel considerable distances while searching for food, and gardens can provide valuable opportunities for them to forage safely.
