Badgers are protected around us, heavy fine if you hurt them. I hate the things as they dig holes all over my hill field looking for bumble bees who nest in the ground. I walk the field every morning filling in any holes that could cause the ponies a problem. I caught 2 in my fox trap and what a job I had setting them free, I was told years ago if you come accross one run over do not move it, if not dead they will fight until they are.