THE SSPCA is currently caring for the youngest badger cub they've ever seen at their Wee County rescue centre.

A two-week old cub was found in woodland near Inverness on Sunday, February 14.

The tiny cub was spotted by a member of the public who contacted the SSPCA, and it is believed she was dragged away from her sett by another animal.

April Sorley, care assistant at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fischross, has named the badger Lavendar and she will be reared for the next 10 weeks.

Lavender will be weaned at 12 weeks and released in the autumn with other badger cubs in the Society's care.

April said: "We believe Lavender is the youngest badger cub to ever be cared for at our National Wildlife Rescue Centre.

"When she arrived she was smaller than my hand and weighed just 250g, although she's getting bigger every day.

"She is bottle feeding well, and has doubled her weight since she arrived which we're so pleased about.

"As of today she weighs 575g."

April continued: "I'll be hand-rearing her until she is 12-weeks-old as that is when she would be weaned if she was with her mum in the wild.

"We usually see badgers come into our care around April time, when they are old enough to venture out of their sett and explore their surroundings.

"She was a very unexpected, but perfect Valentine."

Anyone who finds a wild animal in need of help should contact the SSPCA helpline on 03000 999 999.