A BADGER cared for at the Scottish SPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross has been released back into the wild.

Bruiser was taken in by the charity after a Scottish Water worker noticed him stuck in a water chamber in Wishaw.

Animal rescue officer Sian Robertson said: “We were alerted by Scottish Water that a badger had fallen into one of their water chambers and was struggling to get back out.

"Luckily the chamber was empty, unlike the one next to him, but the walls were around six – nine foot high so he was unable to get out.

"He seemed calm at first but badgers are notoriously vicious and Bruiser lived up to that reputation as I approached him.

"After safely removing the badger he was taken to the Wildlife centre in Fishcross to be on the safe side as he could have been in the chamber for a long time.

"He had a few cuts from the thorn bushes surrounding the chamber and sore paws from trying to climb out.

"Once we were certain he had no serious injuries we were able to release him back into the wild on Monday (27 February)."

Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.