RSPCA warns public about badger chasing dogs in Staffordshire

Fearless badger chases dogs and joggers while on the prowl in Staffordshire, prompting RSPCA to warn public to keep their distance as its behaviour ‘isn’t normal’

• A fearless badger has been seen on the prowl in Cannock Chase, Staffordshire
• The mammal has chased dogs, joggers and families enjoying the countryside
• Its wild and extrovert behaviour is highly unusual for the normally timid species 
• RSPCA has warned the public to keep distant, saying its behaviour isn’t normal

A fearless badger is harassing passers-by at a renowned beauty spot – leading the RSPCA to warn the public about its behaviour.

Dog walkers, joggers and families out enjoying the countryside have all fallen foul of the black and white menace.

The badger has been recorded prowling during the day in Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, The Sun reports.

Despite the mammals’ typical nocturnal habits, this particular individual has been seen taking leisurely strolls in broad daylight.

Despite badgers’ typical nocturnal habits, this particular one has been seen taking leisurely strolls in broad daylight.

The badger has ran up towards barking dogs without flinching and chased a French bulldog, which sought refuge behind its owner.

It has ran up towards barking dogs without flinching and chased a French bulldog, which sought refuge behind its owner.

The RSPCA has warned the public to keep their distance from the badger and said its actions are not normal for the normally shy species.

It is unusually approachable towards humans and followed one female jogger over stepping stones of a nearby stream, before getting bored and turning back.

39-year-old Ben Clay, who filmed the badger while out walking with his children, said: ‘Someone walked past and said “Keep your dog on the lead as there is a badger wandering about”.

‘I just kept an eye on the children and then looked up and saw it trotting down the path.’

The badger followed one female jogger over stepping stones of a nearby stream, before getting bored and turning back

In a statement, the RSPCA said: ‘This is not normal behaviour for a badger, who are nocturnal and wouldn’t usually be seen in open daylight walking amongst people.

‘The RSPCA would advise that if anyone sees this badger – or any other – behaving like this, to keep a distance, and to keep dogs well away.

‘It may well be disoriented and could be unpredictable and aggressive.

‘If you see a badger you have concerns about please call the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999.’

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