Badger!!!

Saturday August 1, 2020  I noticed some pretty intense barking yesterday and decided I’d better get out and investigate. We had a nasty badger in a stand off with Chief at the fence line to the new property. The problem was the alpacas were on the side WITH the badger! They seemed frozen right behind the standoff and didn’t come like they usually do what I call them. I decided to try the hose and finally they came to me for a belly spray. I almost got the gate closed but not before 6 month old Blue decided to get over there and tackle the badger from behind!! Sheesh!  He went right up to it and bit it on it’s arse!!  Luckily the badger was so focused on the primary attacker, Chief, that it didn’t turn around. Badgers have claws the size of bears and teeth to match! I called him to me and he finally came – gate is now closed with all animals on this side and only the badger on the other side.  Whew. But now the damn badger is taking apart the wire of the fence with it’s claws and teeth. Badger wants to attack Chief and Chief was ready for a fight. A panicked call to Ed (who was at work in Salt Lake City) resulted in a call to a neighbor, who quickly came with his shotgun and ended the attack. (thank you Jonsey) Feeling helpless is not my style and I’ve decided I will finally learn to shoot as needed to protect my animals. Ed has give me a few lessons but I was not that interested and the guns we have felt too big for me. But I have a plan and I am determined. And watch out when I am determined. 😉

A few things I learned: Chief is NOT in retirement. Blue will be as fearless and as fierce as he needs to be when he grows up. We got the perfect pup when we picked him out. Charlotte does not like to fight but will bark to let us know she’s involved. Good neighbors are the best.

stay well~

Photo of the day: The badger doesn’t look that big, but we guess he weighed at least 35 pounds. This was before he started to take the fence apart. Chief was fearless.