European badger

The European badger (Meles meles), also known as the Eurasian badger, is a species of badger in the family Mustelidae native to Europe and West Asia and parts of Central Asia. It is classified as least concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide range and large, stable population size which is thought to be increasing in some regions. Several subspecies are recognised, with the nominate subspecies (M. m. meles) predominating in most of Europe. In the UK it is the only extant species, and is simply known as the "badger".

The European badger is a powerfully built animal with a small head, stocky body, small black eyes and short tail, and a coat of black, white, brown, and grey fur. Its weight varies, ranging from 7–13 kg (15–29 lb) in spring to 15–17 kg (33–37 lb) in autumn before the winter sleep period. It is nocturnal and social, living in burrows and sleeping during the day in one of several setts within its territory. These burrows have multiple chambers and entrances and comprise extensive systems of underground passages measuring 35–81 m (115–266 ft) in length. Several badger families use these setts for decades. Badgers are particular about the cleanliness of their burrows, carrying in fresh bedding and removing soiled material. They defecate in latrines situated strategically outside their setts or en route to others.

Although the European badger is taxonomically classified as a carnivoran, it is actually an omnivore that feeds on a variety of plant and animal foods, including earthworms, large insects, small mammals, carrion, cereals, and tubers. Litters of up to five cubs are born in spring. The young are weaned after a few months, but they usually remain within the family group. European badgers have been known to share their burrows with other species, such as rabbits, red foxes, and raccoon dogs. However, they can be ferocious when provoked, a trait that was exploited in the now illegal blood sport of badger-baiting. Like many wild and domesticated mammals, badgers can carry bovine tuberculosis, which can spread between species and be particularly detrimental to cattle. In England, badger populations are culled in an attempt to reduce the incidence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle, although the efficacy of this practice is strongly disputed, and badger culls are widely considered cruel and inhumane.