The RSPCA has issued a warning about a potentially aggressive badger that was filmed chasing after dogs and pedestrians at a popular park.
Bizarre footage showed the animal wandering after people in broad daylight at a park in Cannock Chase, West Midlands, on Monday.
In an unusual sight, the recognisable black and white predator was spotted trotting along behind two barking dogs who were being pulled away by their owner.
Video shows the badger continuing to follow the dogs and coming dangerously close to the French bulldog whose owner is heard begging the badger to leave.
The usually nocturnal animal then sets its sights on a woman who is crossing over a small body of water on stepping stones.
The badger follows closely behind her as she speeds up trying to get away from the brazen animal.
It then wanders away and onto a grass embankment before re-emerging back onto the public path.
Shortly before the clip ends, the badger then heads into the woodland area.
The RSPCA today confirmed that the animal's actions are not normal behaviour for a badger and urged people to keep a safe distance.
They said: "This is not normal behaviour for a badger, who are nocturnal and wouldn't usually be seen in open daylight walking amongst people.
"The RSPCA would advise that if anyone sees this badger - or any other - behaving like this, to keep a distance, and to keep dogs well away.
"It may well be disoriented and could be unpredictable and aggressive.
"If you see a badger you have concerns about please call the RSPCA's emergency line on 0300 1234 999."
Bemused local Ben Clay captured the video and posted it on social media later on that day, writing: "Little badger came out to play at stepping stones in Cannock Chase."
The video has gained over 370,000 views and almost 1,300 comments from viewers who were shocked and concerned for the animal.
Harris Dickenson said: "Might be worth a report to the RSPCA, that is not normal behaviour."
Victoria Hedges said: "That's not a good thing.
"That's either a sick badger or one that someone has hand raised and released for some insane reason."
Oli Bonell said: "It's most probably riddled with TB acting like that in broad daylight and looks thin to me."
Christopher Johnson said: "Showing who is boss, pleased no one got too close."
Newman Kelly said: "Did he think the little dog was related to him?"
Kath Gebski wrote: "Poor thing, clearly something is wrong with him."
Badgers are nocturnal creatures and are rarely seen in the day.
They live in large family groups in burrows under the ground known as a 'sett'.
Cubs are born in January or February but spend the first few months underground, only coming out in spring when it is a little warmer.
