Shooting damage to wildlife
I WONDER if readers are aware of a major decline in badger activity in the area bordering major shooting estates around Bradfield, Strines, Langsett and Broomhead, while badgers continue to thrive normally outside of these areas.
Birds of prey have almost disappeared in the same area.
A professional survey commissioned by South Yorkshire Badger Group showed zero or very low badger activity at setts near shooting estates and close to pheasant-rearing areas. The survey mirrors the findings of the RSPB report Peak Malpractice, which tells of the disappearance of rare protected birds of prey such as peregrine, hen harrier, goshawk and raven.
Evidence includes a domestic hen's egg found at Langsett, containing an illegal poison (a police raid found a syringe and other suspicious items), a dead jay and a piece of cake containing poison at a Bradfield sett, at setts in Bradfield Dale and Ughill Moor. Potatoes were found filled with metaldehyde poison
Walkers reported three other badgers dead in snares and sausages containing poison found at setts at Bradfield.
A talk on wildlife through the ages, including details of the above incidents, will be held at Low Bradfield Village Hall on Monday, April 20, at 7.30pm.
Badgerhugger
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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