Mammal 🦡
🦡
Meles meles
| Size | 56–90 cm About the size of a medium dog |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7–13 kg About the weight of two house cats |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years (up to 14) |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| M vs F | Males (boars) are slightly larger with a broader head; females (sows) have a narrower, more pointed snout |
| Habitat | Deciduous woodland with nearby grassland, ancient hedgerow farmland |
| Best time | Spring and summer (cubs emerge May–June) |
| Conservation | UK: Green LC |
Did you know?
Some badger setts have been continuously occupied for over 100 years — different social groups inherit the same tunnel systems across generations
Some badger setts have been continuously occupied for over 100 years — different social groups inherit the same tunnel systems across generations
More for experts
Badgers have powerful musk glands strong enough to be detected 500 metres away; their bold striped face is a clear warning signal to potential predators
Often confused with
Otter (sleeker, near water), no other UK mammal has this distinctive black-and-white striped face
Otter (sleeker, near water), no other UK mammal has this distinctive black-and-white striped face