WILDLIFE experts are urging people to be their eyes and ears after a spate of badger digging in South Craven.

Investigations are continuing after a gang of men with dogs was spotted in the area near a badger sett.

Police and RSPCA staff had to dig one of the dogs out of a sett after being alerted by a member of the public.

Unfortunately the animal, which was trapped for three days, had to be destroyed.

Liz Groves, from the Craven Badger Group, said potential badger diggers and baiters were ignoring the foot and mouth crisis.

"It is a case of farmers and landowners keeping an eye on setts on their land," she said.

"Because of the bans imposed due to foot and mouth disease it's difficult for the badger group to monitor setts on a regular basis.

"I would urge anyone who sees anyone acting suspiciously in the countryside to call the police and report it.

"Nobody should be out in the countryside unless they are farmers or farm workers."

Her concern was echoed by Skipton Police's wildlife officer PC Andy Smith, who is leading the investigation into the South Craven incident.

"Foot and mouth disease won't stop these people because they are determined to commit crime and carry on what they believe to be a sport," he said.

The cruel sport of badger digging became so popular in the 1960s that the badger population was believed to be under threat.

The black and white animals became protected in 1973 under a special Act of Parliament.

Amendments were made to the law in 1992 to protect their homes, known as setts.

It is an offence to kill, injure or take a badger, or interfere with a sett unless a licence is obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture.

But badger digging is still widespread across certain parts of the country.

Terrier dogs are sent into the sett to chase the badger underground.

When the dog finds the badger it barks and traps the animal and its owners then dig it out.The badger might be shot, but sometimes the terriers are set on the helpless animal or it is kept for further baiting.

Police have the powers to search a person or their vehicles without a warrant if they suspect an offence is being committing under the Protection of Badgers Act.

They are urging residents and passers-by who see anyone acting suspiciously in fields or woods to contact them immediately.

PC Smith added: "People should particularly look for gangs of men with terrier or lurcher-type dogs carrying spades or other implements."

Anyone with any information should call 999 or contact Skipton Police direct on 01756 793377. Information can also be left on the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.