LATE summer and early autumn is a time when many young mammals are killed because of their inexperience, writes RON FREETHY.

Last week, for example, I lost count of the number of rabbits and hedgehogs I saw killed on the roads.

Adding to the carnage there were hares, two fox cubs and a badger. I'm always glad when use is made of these road victims, which are sometimes taken to museums.

They can be in displays to teach students of all ages, but especially the young. Last year I arranged to have a badger taken to a museum and its skull is now being used to explain the badger's diet and how its jaws are so powerful.

Once a badger has a grip it can lock its jaw and will not let go. Usually they are most inoffensive but the cruel people who set their dogs on the poor beast know just how hard they fight. Badger baiting has long been against the law and the Lancashire Badger Group devotes most of its funds to protecting this lovely mammal.

If anyone wishes to join the group I would be pleased to put you in touch via this column.

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