What are newborn badger cubs like?
Tiny and helpless. Badger Trust describes newborn cubs as about 15–16 cm long, weighing roughly 75–132 g, with a thin covering of white or silver-grey fur. Their eyes and ear canals stay closed for the first five weeks. For about the first ten days they stay in the breeding chamber, after which their mother may start moving them between chambers.
How do badgers time births for late winter?
Through delayed implantation. Badgers can mate from February to May. After mating, the fertilised egg develops a little and then pauses. Around December or early January, as the days shorten, it implants in the womb, and the cubs are born about seven weeks later. However early in the year mating happens, cubs arrive in late winter, ready to emerge in spring.
When do badger cubs come out of the sett?
Usually in April or May, when they are about 8–10 weeks old. At first they stay close to the entrance, playing and exploring while adults keep watch. They feed on their mother's milk for their first three months, and suckling can continue for four to five months.
How do cubs fit into the clan?
Badgers live in social groups of about six adults on average, and up to 23. Usually only one female breeds each year. Unlike some social mammals, cubs are not the centre of attention and have to find their place among the resident adults. They reach maturity at just over a year old.
What dangers do cubs face?
Foxes, dogs, large birds of prey and even other badgers sometimes kill cubs, and gut parasites are a major risk in their first year. Dry summers that drive earthworms deep can also leave young badgers hungry.
I've found a badger cub on its own. What should I do?
Watch from a distance first. The RSPCA says cubs normally stay underground for their first 8–10 weeks, so a small cub alone above ground may need help. Call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 if a cub is injured, cold or collapsed, has its eyes closed, has been alone for 24 hours, or its sett has been damaged. Don't pick it up unless they tell you to. See Found an injured badger?