Badger rescued from snare trap in Stockport
The animal suffered serious injuries to his chest.
The RSPCA is appealing for information after a badger had to be rescued from a snare in Stockport.
The charity was contacted after a member of the public came across the animal trapped and in pain earlier this month.
The snare - which is made from wire and tightens as the animal tries to get free - dug into the chest area, causing a deep wound which became heavily infected. The badger is being cared for at the RSPCA's Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich.
Lee Stewart, manager at Stapeley Grange, said: “Snares are sadly legal to catch certain animals, but it is illegal to set snares for some animals including badgers, deer and birds. Snares can’t distinguish between animals and it is thought that up to 69% of snared animals are not the intended species. Sadly we do see animals come into us with snare trap injuries as a result.
“We are hoping this badger will recover but it is still early to say.”
The public are also being urged never try to and free an animal from a snare or trap – due to risk of injury to the human and animal, and it could also be an offence if the animal was legally caught.
Anyone who has any information should contact the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 1234 999.