A list of farmers signed up to a new cull has been leaked and their names and addresses published on an anti-cull Facebook page.
Police have urged farmers who feel threatened by protesters to contact them.
“We are actively investigating any offences that may have been committed. We take the safety of our communities very seriously,” a police spokesman said.
On its Facebook page, the Stop the Cull group said it had the list. It added: “We’ve received a list of farmers who have signed up for the Devon badger cull … The source of the information is from within the farming industry, seems the badgers have friends everywhere. When we have confirmed that the information is 100% correct, we’ll publish it.”
The NFU condemned the publishing of the list as it could lead to farming families being targeted.
"As far as we are aware, the list that has been leaked appears to have been compiled by a third party based on speculation and assumption. Circulating or threatening to publish a list like this is hugely irresponsible and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms," the union said.
Last month the government announced that Natural England had received 29 applications or expressions of interest from farmers’ groups wanting a badger cull in their area.
NFU South West regional chairman James Small said the leaking of names would only become a problem if people used it for illegal purposes, such as violence or intimidation.
He added: "I would encourage the Badger Trust to condemn any illegal activity that might take place at any time."
'Heroes of the countryside'
Natural England said it has received 29 applications as farmers across the South West prepare for the next roll-out of the badger culls.
Farmers who have taken part in the badger cull are 'true heroes', NFU president Meurig Raymond said.
"Let me be very clear, the NFU may have galvanised action but the people we should really thank are those on the ground in Somerset, Gloucestershire and, this year Dorset, for making the 2015 programme safe, humane and effective.
"You are the true heroes of the farming community. On behalf of all livestock farmers, Thank you."
"Secretary of State I salute what you and your predecessor have done to establish an eradication strategy and get culling onto the agenda and off the ground,” he said.
