Senior Classes Scoil Naomh Caitríona Badgers Senior Classes Scoil Naomh Caitríona

Badgers Badgers are closely related to: Otters Stoats Pine martens Weasels Polecats

Habits Badgers are largely nocturnal animals. They are shy and retiring. They live in family groups and social groups.

Footprints Badger prints are broader than they are long with five toes and five long, non-retractable powerful claws that they use for digging.

Home A badger's home is called a sett. The sett is an underground home, often with a labyrinth of tunnels involving the excavation of tons of earth. The sense of smell is the most important of the badgers senses. Badgers forage for food with their snouts constantly sniffing the ground ahead of them.

Life cycle An adult can grow up to 95cm long and usually weighs from 10 to 14 kg. Badger cubs are born in February. The number of cubs is usually between one and three. Cubs emerge in May, after spending the first 8 – 10 weeks underground.

Enemies The main enemy of the badger is mankind. People try to trap badgers and put them in fights against dogs. This is illegal, and police and volunteers are always on the lookout for the culprits.

Popular Culture The old name for badger is brock, in English, broc in Irish. Many badgers feature in the Redwall series of books by Brian Jacques. Other stories featuring badgers are: The Wind in the Willows, Farthing Wood, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Chronicles of Narnia. The House of Hufflepuff (H. Potter) is symbolised by a badger. The badger is the state animal of Wisconsin.