How big is a badger?
An adult badger is 75–100 cm long, plus a 15 cm tail, and weighs 8–9 kg in spring and 11–12 kg in autumn.
How long do badgers live?
Most wild badgers live 5–8 years. A few live to 14 or more, but roads, disease and persecution mean many die younger.
Where do badgers live in the UK?
Throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland and most of mainland Scotland. Badgers are absent from the Scottish islands, the Isle of Man, the Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands. They live in woods, farmland, moorland, gardens and towns.
What do badgers eat?
Mostly earthworms, plus insects, wasp and bee grubs, fruit, cereals, roots and bulbs, and sometimes small animals. What do badgers eat?
Are badgers nocturnal?
Yes. Badgers are active from dusk until dawn and sleep in the sett during the day, though they may forage in daylight when food is short.
Do badgers hibernate?
No. They are much less active in winter but still come out to forage in mild weather. Do badgers hibernate?
What is a badger sett?
An underground home of tunnels and bedding-lined chambers, often with many entrances. What is a badger sett?
When are badger cubs born?
Mostly in February, underground. Most litters are one to three cubs, which first come out in April or May. When are badger cubs born?
Why are badgers called Brock?
Brock comes from the Old English broc, a word of Celtic origin. It's one of the oldest English names for the badger. Brocktober
Are badgers dangerous?
No, if left alone. Badgers avoid people. A frightened or injured badger may bite, so never try to handle one.
Do badgers eat hedgehogs?
Sometimes, especially when other food is scarce. Badgers are one of the few animals strong enough to get past a hedgehog's spines.
Is a badger the same as a honey badger?
No. The honey badger lives in Africa and Asia and is a different species. Britain's badger is the European badger, Meles meles.
Are badgers protected?
Yes. The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 makes it a crime to harm a badger or interfere with a sett in England, Wales and Scotland. Are badgers protected?
How many badgers are there in the UK?
The last estimate was about 485,000 in England and Wales, from surveys in 2011–14. A new count is under way. How many badgers are there in the UK?