Characterized by dark stripes that extend from their nose to their eyes and ears, separated by a white stripe in the middle, European badgers exhibit a striking appearance that sets them apart from other members of the mustelid family. Their upper coat is grizzled grey, with each hair featuring a white base and a darker tip, while their underside typically displays black or dark grey coloring.
In addition to their striking appearance, European badgers possess a diverse and adaptable diet consisting of both animal and plant matter. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide variety of food items depending on availability and seasonality. Earthworms rank among their favorite prey items, with European badgers capable of consuming several hundred of these invertebrates in a single night. In addition to earthworms, they also feed on small mammals, such as mice and voles, as well as large insects, carrion, tubers, and cereals.
Despite their primarily nocturnal habits, European badgers demonstrate flexibility in their foraging behavior, especially when food resources are scarce. In times of shortage, they may venture out during the day in search of sustenance, demonstrating their resourcefulness and adaptability in the face of adversity.
In addition to their foraging habits, European badgers exhibit complex social behaviors and hierarchical structures within their social groups, known as clans. These clans typically consist of related individuals, including adults and their offspring, and are organized around a central burrow system known as a sett. Within the clan, badgers engage in cooperative behaviors such as grooming, scent marking, and communal care of the young, fostering strong social bonds and ensuring the collective well-being of the group.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belgium
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
China
Croatia
Czechia
Denmark
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jordan
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Lebanon
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Moldova
Montenegro
Netherlands
North Macedonia
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
United Kingdom
UzbekistanAnything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Group
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
