Badger rescued after getting tangled in football netting at Derbyshire school grounds
Anyone who finds a wild animal in distress is advised not to put themselves at risk, and to contact the RSPCA for advice
A badger has been released back into the wild, after becoming severely tangled in football netting on the grounds of a school in Swanwick, before being rescued and cared for by the RSPCA.
The exhausted badger was discovered by a passer-by with football netting wrapped tightly around his body, and he was unable to free himself. The member of the public contacted the RSPCA and Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Vanessa Pardin attended to cut the badger free.
He was taken to RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre for urgent assessment and care, where veterinary staff found he had suffered a swollen right front leg and several rope burns.
Vanessa said: "Netting can be lethal for wild animals like badgers who can easily become trapped and severely injured while struggling to break free.
“Luckily, we were able to reach this badger in time, but this serves as a reminder to everyone to please put away sports netting when it's not in use."
After a few days receiving treatment the badger made a full recovery and was released back to the wild.