A badger labelled a ‘greedy chap’ has been rescued from a garden after getting stuck in a compost bin.
Last month the hungry badger was found by a homeowner in Guildford in their garden, subsequently contacting the RSPCA to assist after hearing noises coming from small compost bin.
RSPCA officer Louis Horton said: "The green plastic compost bin would normally have a lid secured on top but this inquisitive and hungry badger had spotted an opportunity for what he thought would be an easy meal and clambered in through the open top.
Mr Badger stuck in compost bin
RSPCA
"The bin was set firm into the ground and his belly was a little bigger than anticipated so the greedy chap soon realised he was stuck inside.
"The compost bin was around two feet tall and narrower at the top so although the poor little guy could poke his head out of the top, he couldn’t squeeze himself up and out. I used some power tools to carefully cut the top of the plastic away and lift him out."
After being taken to the Wildlife Aid Foundation in Leatherhead for a check-up on his welfare, the badger was released in the garden where he was found, over fears he may be unable to find his way home.
The RSPCA officer told Surrey Live: "It’s always so lovely when we get to rescue an animal, check they’re okay and then release them back to where they belong. It’s why we all do this job.
"The winter can be a difficult time for wildlife who will go looking for food and water. You can help the wildlife in your garden by leaving out a shallow dish of water (checking that it doesn’t freeze over) and small amounts of supplementary food."
