A badger cub separated from his mum is now being nursed back to health after he was rescued in York.
Wandering all alone, the baby animal was spotted by a member of the public in the Acaster Malbis area. When he was seen again on Bank Holiday Monday, still without his mum and looking weak, they contacted the RSPCA.
Animal rescuer inspector Laura Barber collected the badger cub, who was aged around six weeks old.
She said: “The cub was quite lethargic and weak and was too young to be away from his mum so sadly I think their mum may have died or was scared off and he got lost.
“He had no food in his stomach so I rushed him to a nearby vets for treatment where he was given some fluids and glucose.
“He will now be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator who already has another badger cub in their care so they will be able to keep each other company and both will be hand-reared.
“I am just glad his predicament was spotted and he will now get the care he needs and once fully recovered will be returned to the wild.”
He is now being cared for by a specialist before he can be released back into the wild.
Badger cubs are typically born from the beginning of February to late April.
Cubs stay below ground and emerge from their sett at around eight to ten weeks old. However, they may continue to be dependent on their mother for some time afterwards.
If you find a wild animal in distress, stuck, sick or injured please contact the RSPCA for advice on 0300 1234 999, and read more here.