June
2004
The Story In Black And White
Devon Badgers by Andrew Cooper |
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| Badger
Cubs playing in their sett |
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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. |
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Words
and pictures 漏 Andrew Cooper |
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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.
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| 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.
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Seymour Road
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