Q31: Are Badgers protected?

Badgers are a protected species, it is illegal to willfully kill, injure or take a badger, ill-treat a badger, dig for a badger, or to interfere with a badger sett. If you are convicted of one of these offences you could face up to six months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. It is also illegal to sell, offer for sale, possess, or to mark or attach a marking device to a badger, if convicted of one of these offences you could receive an unlimited fine.
There are certain situations where you may not commit an offence. Licenses to undertake some action may be issued by one of the following agencies;

• Natural England (in England); or
• Natural Resources Wales (in Wales)

See the website in Related Information for advice if there are signs that you have badgers in your garden.