At a large badger castle in De Maasheggen nature reserve near Vierlingsbeek, a white substance was found in the entrances on Friday. Probably it is a toxic substance.
Hundreds of Dassen live in the castle, which has been around for about twenty -five to thirty years. The Dassenburcht has thirty different inputs. The powder is found in just about all the inputs. The stuff is also laid deep in the corridors. The stuff smells like fish. Probably fish oil has been added to lure the ties.
Under the ground are hundreds of meters of corridors, where the animals live. Only at night do they stand above the ground.
Also white stuff at other badger fortresses
There are more shelters of badgers in the area. A white substance has also been found in two others. Other fortresses are still being investigated.
The discovery was made on Friday afternoon around three o’clock by employees of Staatsbosbeheer. Forester Alwin Brandt calls the discovery ‘unprecedented’. “It’s now a breeding season, so the badgers all have boy,” he says.
The Das is a protected species. Poisoning such animals is a prison sentence of four years.
Cleaning work are currently underway. This happens with a special vacuum cleaner that is also used for finds of drug waste in nature. Cleaning up is extremely careful because there is a chance that the corridor system will collapse otherwise.
It is not clear whether ties have actually died, and who is behind the action. It is also a mystery for local residents. “We have been living here for decades, there are no badgers here,” says someone. “But someone must be known here, because these fortresses are hidden so deeply in nature that you can’t find that way.”
Keep your dog leashed
Staatsbosbeheer employees will continue to monitor the animals in the coming days. Wild cameras are also hung. Owners of dogs are urged to keep their animal on the line. “There may also be poison in other places,” said the forester.