Each year, underground hunting – also called digging up – can be authorized from May 15, by simple prefectural decree. This hunting practice, still tolerated in 11 French departments, is extremely violent for badgers and their offspring. On the occasion of World Badger Day, 30millionsdamis.fr would once again like to denounce this cruelty.
5th edition this year…! World Badger Day, launched by the Association for the Protection of Wild Animals (ASPAS), partner of the 30 Million Friends Foundation, does not take place on a date chosen at random. May 15 corresponds to the start of the early badger hunting by digging up.  This practice is an aberration, protests Virginie Boyaval, president of the MELES association, dedicated to saving badgers. Especially since the complementary period takes place when the badgers are not yet weaned. »Â
In the forest or in the open field, the badger digs its own burrow. “It’s a true architect,” Richard Holding, communications manager at ASPAS, tells 30milliondamis.fr. Its burrow is very well organized, made up of different entrances and exits, and is transmitted from generation to generation. » However, it is not safe in its own habitat since hunters bring their dogs in, before violently extirpating the badgers using large metal pliers.
Unfortunately, the badgers, still present in the burrows in mid-May, are not autonomous.  In theory, hunters are not allowed to kill cubs, but many die because of dog bites,  says R. Holding. Note that these mammals are not very prolific…: only 3 to 4 badgers are born annually, “but one in two dies before the age of 1,” he adds. Each year, ASPAS highlights this scourge in order to convince the prefects to postpone the opening of the hunt. »Â
“An essential ecological role”.
 Many people are afraid of badgers, constate Virginie Boyaval, contactée par 30millionsdamis.fr. They think it is an aggressive animal that can attack them. » Gare aux idées reçues, car « il s’agit en réalité d’un animal très sociable »corrected R. Holding. Forest cat, bat, rabbit, fox, salamander, toad… A whole variety of species is welcome in its burrow. These animals, among which there are several protected species, are therefore also, impacted by underground hunting.
As for farmers, they generally consider badgers to be “pests”, “pests”. However, it is quite the opposite! These mammals actually occupy – like all living beings – an essential place in the ecosystem, particularly through their diet. “Badgers are omnivorous: they eat a lot of earthworms, chafers, small rodents, etc.,” explains R. Holding. They also allow the propagation of the plants that they consume thanks to the seeds contained in their droppings.
Around fifty badgers rehabilitated in 20 years
V. Boyaval chose to dedicate his life to saving badgers. “It’s been my fight for over 20 years,” she testifies. “Since I started, I have rehabilitated around fifty of them!” To learn how to care for and care for these mammals, she underwent special training in England. The caregiver also has a lot of interest in their study.  I try to provide scientific arguments, based on what I see on a daily basis in the field, to raise awareness of their cause. »Â
Most of the badgers taken care of by the caregiver are found orphans.  Their mother was the victim of being dug up, collided with a car or caught in a trapsays the president of MELES.When I collect these unweaned badgers, I follow a well-defined protocol to release them at the right time, they must not attach to humans.  Injured adults are fewer in number, but often found in serious condition.  We can’t save them all, se désole Valérie Boyaval. Since January I have looked after three adults, this is not huge compared to other species such as hedgehogs. »Â
The 30 Million Friends Foundation has long denounced underground hunting. His petition has already reached more than 100,000 signatures. If you come across an injured badger, contact the MELES care center on 06 24 94 35 09.
