She was exhausted, but refused to give up.
On a recent morning just outside London, South Essex city workers spotted something unusual at the bottom of a skate park bowl — a furry animal trapped inside.
As they watched, the hefty creature repeatedly tried to climb out but couldn’t get a grip on the smooth, slippery surface. From her black-and-white face and gray body, they quickly identified her as a European badger.
European badgers are mustelids — relatives of weasels and otters — and are quite different from their North American counterparts. They’re social animals that live in groups, digging large underground burrows known as setts.
Unfortunately, this badger had worn herself out trying to escape the bowl.
The workers contacted the Essex Badger Protection Group (EBPG), who quickly responded.
“When we arrived, the badger was curled up,” rescuer Nina Scotland told The Dodo. “She was clearly exhausted from trying to escape and would have been cold and dehydrated after spending the night there.”
Scotland carefully climbed into the skate bowl with her equipment. As she approached, she could tell the badger was tired but still alert — and likely to defend herself if needed.
Badgers generally avoid confrontation, but they are incredibly strong animals with powerful bites.
“They can give a very nasty bite,” said EBPG vice chair Darren Parker. “If the first attempt to catch her failed, it’s unlikely she would have let anyone get close again.”
Knowing she had only one chance, Scotland acted quickly. She gently covered the badger’s head with a towel to calm her, then grabbed her securely by the scruff.
The badger immediately struggled and managed to bite Scotland’s gloved hand, but Scotland held firm and successfully placed her into a crate.
“It all happened very quickly,” Scotland said. “My heart was racing, but I wasn’t going to let her go.”
With help from the workers, the badger was lifted out of the skate park and taken to South Essex Wildlife Hospital.
Thankfully, vets found no serious injuries — just minor bruising. After receiving fluids, pain relief and a good night’s rest, she was released back into the wild the following day.
For Scotland, moments like this make it all worthwhile.
“It’s always the best feeling to see them released back home,” she said. “Hopefully, she’s learned her lesson and her skating days are behind her.”