A few weeks ago, a National Park Service staff member found an injured badger in Point Reyes National Seashore, most likely struck by a vehicle.
NPS law enforcement rangers (some of the few NPS staff who weren’t furloughed during the government shutdown) were able to coax the badger into a cat carrier, and he was brought to WildCare. During an intake exam, medical staff found that the badger had a fractured right radius and ulna (two long bones located in the forearm).
The badger was transported to Lenity Veterinary Specialists in San Mateo, where he received specialized care. From Dr. Juliana Sorem at WildCare: “At Lenity, surgeon Dr. Kayla Caturay and anesthesiologist Dr. Maria Glowaski undertook a procedure to repair the fracture. The well-developed musculature of the badger’s forelimbs made alignment of the fracture fragments challenging, but Dr. Caturay persisted and was able to reduce the fractures and secure them in place using a titanium plate. She closed the surgical incision in 3 separate layers with no external sutures to reduce the possibility that the badger would open it back up during his badger activities.
The badger recovered quickly from anesthesia and actually dug into his dinner as soon as he returned to WildCare that evening. He has left the surgical incision alone and has begun using his right forepaw to manipulate food and objects.”
In typical badger behavior, staff also note that this resilient fellow is being quite feisty post-surgery—a sign that he is recovering back into his full self thanks to his expert care. Once fully healed, he’ll be released at Point Reyes.
We’re grateful to the WildCare, NPS, and Lenity Veterinary Specialists medical staff who helped recover and rehabilitate this badger.
Please remember to drive cautiously for the protection of wildlife!
