The European badger (Meles meles), also known as the Eurasian badger, is a member of the Mustelidae family found in Europe and parts of Asia.
This stocky, nocturnal animal has a weight of 7–13 kg in spring, increasing to 15–17 kg in autumn. Badgers are social creatures that live in extensive burrow systems called setts, which can house multiple families and are well-maintained.
As omnivores, their diet includes earthworms, insects, small mammals, carrion, cereals, and tubers. Badger litters can have up to five cubs, who remain with their families after weaning. They may share their burrow with other species but can be aggressive when threatened.
The European badger likely evolved from the Chinese Meles thorali during the early Pleistocene, with modern species appearing in the early Middle Pleistocene. Fossil sites include locations like Episcopia and Mosbach 2. Their adaptation to omnivory is evident in the increase of molar surface areas and changes in their carnassials.
European badgers are robust animals, characterized by small heads, short necks, stocky bodies, and short tails. Their feet are either plantigrade or semidigitigrade, with five toes per foot and strong, elongated claws for digging. They cannot flex their backs like martens or stand fully erect like honey badgers but can gallop quickly.
Adults measure 25–30 cm in shoulder height and 60–90 cm in body length, with weights varying seasonally from 7–13 kg in summer to 15–17 kg in autumn. In Białowieża Forest, adults average 10.2 kg in spring but can reach up to 19 kg in autumn. Notably, the European badger ranks as the second largest terrestrial mustelid, following the wolverine. Their sense of smell is acute, while their eyesight is monochromatic, only reacting to moving objects.
European badger skulls are large and elongated, with oval braincases and narrow facial structures. Adult males develop prominent sagittal crests up to 15 mm tall for muscle attachment and skull protection. Their dentition is well-suited for an omnivorous diet, featuring small incisors, prominent canines, and flattened molars for grinding. They are capable of crushing bones and have powerful jaws.
European badgers are found across most of Europe and are native to countries like the UK, Germany, and Italy, with a population estimated at 300,000 in Britain as of 2012. They thrive in various habitats, including woodlands and suburban areas, and can live at altitudes of up to 2,000 m.
These badgers are social, typically forming groups of six but sometimes up to 23. They maintain territories ranging from 30 to 150 hectares, marked by latrines and paths. Males tend to be more involved in territorial disputes, particularly during the mating season, which occurs in early spring. Badgers are mainly crepuscular and nocturnal, and they engage in grooming, which may serve a social function.
Their vocalizations include growls, barks, and alarm screams. Aggression is often linked to territory and mating, and they may show defensive behaviors when threatened.
It is classified as least concern on the IUCN Red List due to its stable and increasing population in some areas.
