Working alongside the Silves municipal vet, officers were able to rescue the trapped animal and save it from drowning as the channel filled.
The call-out, which took place last Friday, 22 January, was even more remarkable given the elusive nature of badgers and the fact they are rarely seen in Portugal.
According to the GNR, “after being alerted to the animal’s presence, location and circumstances, the brigade launched swift action that allowed the rescue of the badger and prevented a consequent drowning.
“After necessary evaluation of its health status, the badger was returned to its natural habitat without any kind of injury.”
A statement from the GNR explained that while the species is not endangered, it is protected by the Berne Convention “and is not often seen in that region.”
The circumstances leading to the animal becoming trapped in the channel are unknown.