There are approximately 300,000 badgers in the United Kingdom. This may seem like a large number, but an estimated 47,500 are killed in road accidents every year. Combined with the persecution of badgers by people who believe that killing them is a sport and the reduction of suitable habitat by developers, you may see why the badger is an endangered species in many parts of the UK.
The European badger (Meles Meles) can be found in most parts of Great Britain, with its black and white striped face being a familiar conservation symbol. In the past the badgers predators would have been bears and wolves, but since their extermination, badgers only predator is man, his car and his bulldozer.
Badgers setts are found in areas which provide shelter, security and an adequate food supply, especially deciduous woodland near pasture. Badgers live in a social group, following long established pathways. They impregnate both their territory and other members of their social group with their particular group scent. Badgers are found throughout Berkshire, local sett records are constantly updated to give an accurate picture of the badgers status in the County.