OTHER NAMES: Eurasian Badger, Badger, Brock
Latin Etymology: Meles ("badger") meles ("badger")
Adult European Badger (subspecies M. m. meles) at Weekley, Northants - January 2022
Featured Subspecies: Meles meles meles
Weight: 10-27kg / Length: 60-90cm
UK STATUS NOT EVALUATED/ IUCN Red List: Least Concern
Generally the largest terrestrial carnivore found in the UK by weight, the badger has a perculiar place in the country as a species that is very familiar but for most people rarely. One of the largest mustelids, they have a squat powerful build, evolved for digging and constructing their burrow-colonies known as sets. However, while they live socially, they actually disperse to feed and are relatively solitary as they seek out food. Almost entirely nocturnal, they are omnivores who will feed on a wide variety of foods if needed.
Related Species:
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Genus: Meles
SUBSPECIES: M. m. meles, M. m. marianensis, M m. heptneri, M. m. milleri
- Sighting Locations -
UNITED KINGDOM - A widespread and numerous, but shy species.
- Seen at Haweswater in childhood, and more recently at Weekley
Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto
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