European badger

One of the only predators of hedgehogs, thanks to their thick skin and long claws to get past the vicious spines

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European badger

EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

One of the only predators of hedgehogs, thanks to their thick skin and long claws to get past the vicious spines

Population

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

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Afghanistan
2015
Presence Uncertain
Albania
2015
Armenia
2015
Austria
2015
Azerbaijan
2015
Belgium
2015
Bosnia And Herz.
2015
Bulgaria
2015
China
2015
Presence Uncertain
Croatia
2015
Czechia
2015
Denmark
2015
Egypt
2015
Sinai
Estonia
2015
Finland
2015
France
2015
Georgia
2015
Germany
2015
Greece
2015
Hungary
2015
Iran
2015
Iraq
2015
Ireland
2015
Israel
2015
Italy
2015
Jordan
2015
Kyrgyzstan
2015
Latvia
2015
Lebanon
2015
Lithuania
2015
Luxembourg
2015
Moldova
2015
Montenegro
2015
Netherlands
2015
North Macedonia
2015
Norway
2015
Poland
2015
Portugal
2015
Romania
2015
Russia
2015
Serbia
2015
Slovakia
2015
Slovenia
2015
Spain
2015
Sweden
2015
Switzerland
2015
Syria
2015
Turkey
2015
Turkmenistan
2015
Ukraine
2015
United Kingdom
2015
Uzbekistan
2015

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Get 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