Dutch rail is struggling with a badger plague. The animals often nest near and under railway tracks, which today is the case at forty locations, particularly in the eastern part of the country.

After acute difficulties in Friesland, the animals are now causing problems between Eindhoven and Den Bosch. Rail manager ProRail fears that the badger problems on the railways will only get worse.

Since badgers are protected species, ProRail cannot simply take measures. This requires permission from the Dutch Enterprise Agency (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland). Meanwhile, some ecologists and lawyers will assess whether and which measures may be taken.

Railway connection closed

The situation has been known for years and is permanently monitored, but the badger population is expanding. In some places, rail traffic has been halted or diverted because the tracks could subside. As a consequence, the popular railway connection between Eindhoven and Den Bosch now is closed due to the heavy digging by a badger family.

However, the Dutch railway company (Nederlandse Spoorwegen, NS) tries to alleviate the inconvenience for passengers as much as possible by providing alternative transport, like buses and additional trains via Tilburg.

Artificial ‘badger castle’

In the meantime, the railway manager has started with the construction of an artificial ‘badger castle’. The idea is to lure the animals away to their new home by using light, scent trails, and sound. The entire process, including repairing the tracks and placing miles of fencing in the ground to prevent the animals from returning, might take some time.

The badger families, however, are not the only animals hindering the railway. Sometimes, beavers dig holes under the rails to create a safe and dry den in the railway bedding. According to experts, the best way to prevent problems is to anticipate. For instance, by changing the natural situation and luring the animals away.

Protected species

The badger population in the Netherlands has increased since the eighties when the badger was almost extinct and became a protected species. Today, there are probably more than 6 000 badgers in the Netherlands.