June 2004
The Story In Black And White
Devon Badgers by Andrew Cooper | |
|  | | Badger Cubs playing in their sett |
| | Andrew Cooper, one of Britain's most distinguished and influential television producers, lives in South Devon.  Here he takes a look at one of Britain's most recognisable animals, the badger. |
| | Words and pictures © Andrew Cooper | | The beautiful lush and picturesque countryside of the south west of England is home to many badgers.
They are one of the largest and most easily recognisable animals in Britain - their handsome striped head makes them one of the most spectacular creatures in the country.
Yet, although featured in many of the most famous children's stories and found throughout lowland Britain, their nocturnal life means that few people have ever seen one alive.
 | | A badger takes a drink at Church Farm |
The badger is also one of our oldest wild residents. Long before people trod this land, badgers lived here.
At the end of the last Ice Age, over 10,000 years ago, badgers were excavating their underground setts. Highly social, often living in large family groups they are entertaining, industrious and endlessly fascinating. They consume large numbers of insect pests, kill rats, mice and many rabbits.
A substantial part of their diet consists of worms, nuts and berries, as well as digging out the occasional wasp nest.
Surprisingly agile climbers, they can swim and enjoy a regular bath. They make big comfortable beds, which are routinely aired and changed. Their reproductive cycle is complex and unusual. And as parents they are attentive and highly protective of their young. | | | |
|
| | Weather |  | | Monthly statistics, features and information. |
| E-cards |  | | Send an e-postcard of glorious Devon to a friend. |
| In Pictures |  | | Browse through our vast selection of photo galleries. |
BBC Devon
Broadcasting House
Seymour Road
Plymouth
PL3 5BD
(+44) 01752 229201
devon.online@bbc.co.uk
|
|
