22 Feisty Badger Facts

By Karin Lehnardt, Senior Writer

Published November 18, 2024

Badgers exhibit delayed implantation, which means they can pause their pregnancies until environmental factors are favorable._[3]
If they aren't disturbed, generations of badgers can occupy the same sett, or den, for hundreds of years._[3]
The earliest badger fossil remains date back 2 million years and were found in France._[3]
The name "badger" is derived from the word "badge," which is in reference to their distinct facial markings. Other sources say it might come from old French words: becheur, meaning "differ," or blaireau, meaning "corn hoarder."_[3]

A badger's sense of smell is about 800 times stronger than that of a human

While badgers have adequate sight and hearing abilities, they have a superior sense of smell, which is around 800 times better than a human's sense of smell._[3]
Even though they have short limbs, badgers can run up to 20 miles per hour (32 kph)._[3]
Even though badgers may live together, they don't necessarily help each other. A non-dominant sow is always at risk of having a dominant sow wipe out her litter, and they seldom share food._[3]
Wild badgers live between 6–10 years; captive badgers live into their teens._[3]
Badgers will eat almost anything, but their favorite food is the common earthworm. They will happily eat up to 100 a night._[3]
Badgers are part of the Mustelidae family and are related to ferrets, minks, wolverines, and otters._[3]
In 2020, nearly 20,000 badgers in the UK were shot as part of the government's attempt to reduce the spread of tuberculosis among cows. The cull was polarizing, and many scientists argued that it was unnecessary._[7]
Badgers don't hibernate, but they may sleep for a few days or weeks during the coldest part of winter._[3]
The word "dachshund" means "badger dog" because the dog was bred to chase badgers through their dens. Since the dogs were required to confront feisty badgers in an enclosed space, they are fearless, relentless, and can be reckless._[4]
The badger is the state animal of Wisconsin. Miners were some of the first people to settle the state, which led to the adoption of its tunnel-making mascot._[3]
For hundreds of years, coyotes and badgers have hunted together. When they hunt together, the coyote usually chases the prey, while the badger usually digs them up._[6]

Coyotes will chase the prey above ground, and badgers will dig after the prey if it runs underground

An adult male badger can weigh as much as 24 pounds (11 kg)._[3]
Badgers have several defenses. First, vocalization; if they are attacked, they hiss or growl. Second, they can release a distinct odor. Though not as strong as a skunk, it can still be enough to deter an attacker. Third, they have thick fur, muscles, and long curved claws that help them fight predators._[3]
In 2017, a badger was caught on camera burying an entire cow. It took about 4 days for the 16-pound badger to bury his tasty treat._[5]
In most developed countries, it is illegal to keep badgers as pets. Their aggressive behavior would make them one of the worst pets to own._[8]
While badgers do not hibernate, they do enter into a deep sleep called torpor. This state can last for days or weeks, and it slows the badgers heart rate down to a hibernation state._[3]
Movies that feature badgers include Once Upon a Forest (1993), Zootopia (2016), Ice Age (2012), Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (1996), Peter Rabbit (2018), The Wind in the Willows (1983), and more._[1]

Even though Mr. Badger has a short temper in The Wind in the Willows, he is a loyal friend

The badger's lower jaw is articulate to the upper jaw, which means that it is practically impossible to dislocate. This allows the badger to hold firm to its prey._[2]