Badger

Background

The Badger is a short legged member of the Carnivora family. The European Badger species is nocturnal and omnivorous, meaning that they feed at night, on both plant matter and on other animals. During the day, Badgers live and sleep in burrows, called setts.

Habitat

Europe wide, primarily found within woodlands, though they are not uncommon in suburban areas.

Diet

The Badger has an extremely broad dietary composition. They are omnivorous and feed on seeds, leaves, earthworms, and small mammals. Occasionally, when the opportunity arises, the badger also feeds on reptiles and small birds.

Predators & Threats

Due to intensive agricultural activities, suitable habitats for these animals has declined significantly, however sustainable populations exist within woodlands. Other factors that are known to have caused declines in populations are diseases such as rabies. Furthermore, whilst this species is somewhat protected, hunting is still legal and takes place year round within Finland, Germany and Russia. This does exclude females with young in May, June and July.

Facts

• Badgers can run up to 20 mph (30km/h)
• Dachshunds were deliberately bred to hunt Badgers. The name Dachshund literally translates to “badger hunter”
• They give birth to 1-5 cubs between January and March

Best Time to Look

All year round, but their burrows, or setts, can be frosted over during winter (they do not hibernate). Badgers that live in colder climates, such as Russia and Finland do hibernate and re-emerge in March and early April.