Drivers warned over badger deaths

The injured badger rescued in Newhaven did not survive the night

Motorists are being warned to watch for badgers after an East Sussex animal rescue charity was called out to tend nine injured animals in three weeks.

Only one of the badgers rescued has survived and East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) said it feared more casualties to come.

"As the nights set in earlier, badgers will start moving about earlier," said spokesman Trevor Weeks.

The latest rescue was an animal which died after being injured in Newhaven.

Bite wound

WRAS was called to Lewes Road on Wednesday night to find the young animal had a damaged rear leg and a bite wound.

The badger died after treatment.

Some of the main roads where badgers are frequently hit are the A259 between Eastbourne and Seaford and the A27/A259 between Polegate and Bexhill.

"We are noticing more casualties in urban areas too, with injured animals being found near Eastbourne District General Hospital and in the centre of Hastings," said Mr Weeks.

He said other animals such as deer, foxes, rabbits and birds of prey were all more likely to be hit by motorists as the nights drew in.