A countryside ranger got a surprise when he found a badger had taken the place of his friends' cats.

Ramblers Scotland president Ben Dolphin made the unusual discovery when he visited their house in Linlithgow, West Lothian, to feed their pets while they were away on holiday.

The badger had sneaked into the property through a cat flap and made himself comfy on its bed.

It had also eaten all their food before taking a nap.

The Scottish SPCA was alerted to the find at the house in Beercraigs Country Park.

When the badger noticed the back door was open he made a run for it.

Mr Dolphin tweeted: "That moment you go to your friends' house to feed the cats while they're away, but find the cats have moved out & someone else has moved in."

Animal rescue officer Connie O'Neil said: "I got a surprise when I arrived at the property and saw a badger having a nap.

"He had got in through the cat flap and had eaten all the cat food before going for a sleep on the cat bed.

"He didn't seem too happy when I tried to move him but I was able to slide the cat bed round and it was then that the badger noticed the back door was open so made a run for it."

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said, "It is highly unusual for a wild badger to enter a house and we would urge anyone to immediately contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999 should they find one in an unusual place.

"Like all wild animals badgers can be aggressive when injured or cornered so we would advise not to go near or touch them without giving us a call first."