Terrier survives 2 days underground as rescuers await approval to dig in protected badger warren

A countryside walk in Nottinghamshire turned into a two-day rescue mission after a terrier disappeared underground in a badger warren.

Rescuers eventually found the dog safely, but they first had to overcome an unusual obstacle. 

Here's what to know

While out walking with owner Stephen Smith, Cello — a 6-year-old Parson Russell terrier — ventured into a network of badger tunnels and became trapped, Good News Network reported, citing the BBC, and a video was posted to Facebook by Notts Lost Dog. Another dog on the walk helped Smith figure out where Cello had gone.

"I took him and one of his friends out for a walk and they disappeared. After a while, the other dog came back, but Cello didn't, so I went searching for him. The other dog helped me locate where he was."

The search drew in both Notts Lost Dog volunteers and the local fire department. Even so, no one could dig into the warren until Natural England, the government-sponsored public welfare organization that oversees protections for species and habitats, approved it.

Because badgers are heavily protected under UK law, disturbing their burrows without authorization can lead to up to six months in prison and an unlimited fine.

More background

According to Notts Lost Dog's Kim Jefcott, not knowing whether the warren was still in use made it even more stressful.

"It was very worrying because we didn't know whether it was an active badger [warren]," she told the BBC.

As Jefcott explained, "Lots of things go through your mind. Badgers are very protective and can be aggressive if they feel threatened, so we were concerned for Cello's safety."

What's being done?

Rescuers, with help from Natural England, used a camera to locate Cello as soon as the permit was approved. They then opened a roughly 2-foot-deep shaft into the tunnel system so they could reach him safely, as Good News Network reported.

After Cello was pulled free, Jefcott said he seemed stressed, and that dirt and the long darkness had left his eyes sore. Smith said that after food, water, and a full day of sleep, Cello was back to normal.

Where can I learn more?

Cello's rescue took patience, the right expertise, and extra care to not disturb protected wild animals. Each of these stories carries a similar sense of urgency, with rescuers in England and elsewhere helping animals through dangerous situations and going on long searches.

• At an English wildlife hospital, staff used trial and error to free a fox cub from bitumen.

• Near ARC Wildlife Sanctuary, volunteers rescued swans weaving in and out of traffic on a busy highway.

• In southern England, searchers used dogs, drones, and pub sightings while trying to catch a runaway capybara.

• In Scotland, a rescue dog named Timmy spent 1,055 days in care before his foster family made him theirs.

• After a trailer cruelty case, Sadie showed how rescue can transform a dog's life for adopters.

Across all of them, the common thread is persistence, along with people who know how to help when an animal is in trouble.

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