Badgers out during the day

I just had to share this image of a female badger.

Like much of the UK, it's been an incredibly dry spring in Cambridge. A consequence of this is that the ground is like concrete and the worms, the staple food of badgers, have retreated much deeper into the soil. With food scare, badgers sometimes have to forage for extended hours, even during the day, which is exactly what we've been seeing for several weeks.

This particular female, who I suspect may be nursing cubs, has been particularly active. When I see her out during the day, I try to put some peanuts and mealworms out to help her through this challenging period. With care, I'm able to get quite close without disturbing her – badgers have incredibly poor eyesight – and captured some beautiful portraits.

I hope you enjoy the image as much as I do.