Growing up fast

It is two weeks since the cubs first appeared above ground.  In the following week there were no sightings on the trail camera but in the past week there have been three, a few days apart.  The sett is large and has many entrances, making it difficult to predict which one the mother will use.  I don't have enough cameras to cover them all and some are not suitable for placing a camera.

On the first of the latest sightings the cubs were making a lot of noise off stage left and another badger that heard them coming retreated into the sett.  They look much bigger than two weeks ago and are probably now about 10 weeks old.

The second sighting was three days later in the early morning as they were off to bed.  I expect they had been out all night with mother but they hadn't emerged from this entrance.

Later that day they came out at twilight (around 8.30pm) when the remaining natural light complements the infrared light from the camera to give a good picture with a good depth of field.  They sat around for a minute or so while mother had a good scratch before they went off.  The cubs are now steadier on their feet and are more inquisitive but they always stay within reach.  They were silent on this occasion although the mother was still talking to them.