A BADGER, which had to be rescued after being trapped in a snare in a field, has been realised back into the wild.

The RSPCA found the badger in a Barry field, trapped in a snare next to a fence after it was reported to them on Sunday, February 5

The snare was caught around her neck, and wounds were visible on the animal's body.

However, after a spell in specialist care, the badger made a full recovery and was released back into the wild by RSPCA inspector Gemma Black in the early evening of Thursday, February 16.

RSPCA inspector Selina Chan, who undertook the initial rescue, said: "It's always fantastic to have a happy ending, and it's amazing that this badger is back where she belongs after this awful ordeal.

"Had this incident not been reported to us, and had we not been able to complete this rescue, it is very possible this poor badger would have starved to death in horrible circumstances.

"Fortunately, we were able to intervene as part of our on-going work to protect Wales' wildlife.

"This incident highlighted the cruel and indiscriminate nature of snares - and, sadly, wildlife trapped in these devices are often not as lucky as this badger.

"RSPCA Cymru is opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of all snares and any trap which causes suffering," she said.