An ecologist is fighting for custody of a badger he saved from starvation.
NatureScot turned down ecologist Graeme Wilson’s request for an educational licence to keep the animal, despite him saving its life.
The badger, called Harriet, was found stuck in a cattle trough in April roughly 100m (300 ft) from its sett.
Mr Wilson, who runs an animal rehabilitation centre, nursed the creature back to health but believed it would be impossible to return it to the wild because it may have been raised by humans.
Instead, he applied for a licence to protect it himself.
“I have cared for injured badgers before and never have I seen something like it,” Mr Wilson said. “It was clear then she couldn’t be released back into the wild.”
However, NatureScot, the public body responsible for Scotland’s natural heritage, told him the animal should be returned to the wild or sent to a zoo.
He told BBC Scotland: “Badgers are companion animals, they are a social animal and unfortunately for Harriet she has decided that humans are her social group.
“Can you imagine Harriet approaching someone on a dog walk or in the street? There is only one way that would end.”
Mr Wilson also claimed that sending the badger to a zoo would cause problems.
“Harriet’s upbringing means she needs human interaction, not to be put behind glass and stared at.”
The ecologist describes himself as an “experienced and trained wildlife rehabber” who has cared for a variety of wildlife over the years.
He runs GW Ecology, a small independent rescue and rehabilitation service at his home in Denholm in the Scottish Borders. It carries out surveys to determine whether protected species are present on the sites of proposed property developments.
He also leads bat walks, workshops and holds educational events about wildlife and how to protect it.
Mr Wilson argued that an educational licence would allow him to support public understanding of badgers, wildlife rescue and caring for a protected species.
A NatureScot spokesman said: “We are continuing discussions with Mr Wilson and other relevant organisations to try and find a pragmatic solution to this individual situation.
“The welfare of the badger is, of course, key while we consider the circumstances of the case.”
Badgers are protected by law, meaning that it can be illegal to kill, injure or capture them.
Scottish SPCA advice states that individuals who find sick and injured badgers should call the organisation instead of taking matters into their own hands.
It asks the public not to attempt to hold or touch the animal until one of its rescue officers arrives.
“Badgers can become aggressive if they are in pain or feel threatened; they can give a nasty bite and their sharp claws could cause serious injury, if you try to catch it,” it says.
“You should also contact us if you find a badger during daylight hours as they may be struggling.”