Strange squeals emitted from the woods of Medstead this past week, a noise that was not a bird or a bear and was initially believed to be badgers.
May 4, the village office became aware of the issue. Shortly thereafter, conservation officers Jason and Colleen Reddekopp met with the village maintenance worker.
Colleen noted the original intentions were to place kill traps for the badgers, though no plan was designed to ensure this did not pose a risk to dogs and other wildlife. According to the Reddekopps, due to the den in which they were believed to reside, there would be no way to remove the creatures intact. When asked what the risks may be, there was noted the expression of 鈥渢he badger got into the chicken coop.鈥� There was no comment as to risk to people.
Badgers are a protected animal, though are on the list of animals eligible to be hunted (only in winter months) for their fur. In an ironic turn of events, a certified trapper inspected the site and discovered that these were in fact fox holes. The potential danger of laying traps for these critters, however noisy, for children and animals were noted to outweigh the potential benefit, as foxes are of little threat. According to several long-time residents, the foxes have resided in these woods for many years.
Thankfully, this issue was diligently resolved by the co-operation of the village administrator, village caretaker/maintenance worker and the Spiritwood conservation office. Folks of Medstead with children can feel comfortable knowing that they are being looked after, even when critters go bump in the night.
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