Badgers & Weasels

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Badgers are members of the Mustelidae family, along with stoats, weasels, polecats, martens and otters. Globally there are 11 species of badger grouped into three sub-families. Britain is home to only a single species: the European badger (Meles meles).

Species

European badger

Meles meles

Badgers are medium-sized carnivores belonging to the mustelid family. In Britain they're widely distributed & frequently found living in social groups called clans.

Questions

Do foxes & badgers bury their dead?

This behaviour has been observed in both species. In foxes it's probably caching food. In badgers the reason is unknown, although cleanliness of the sett seems likely.

Is it okay for me to feed wildlife?

Generally speaking, feeding appropriate food in appropriate quantities is fine. There can, however, be some unforeseen consequences to supplementary feeding.

What is hibernation?

Hibernation is more than a winter sleep. It's a complete physiological readjustment.

Why do badgers have striped faces?

The high-contrast pattern serves as a warning to potential predators that the owner is not to be messed with.

Why help your siblings when you could be starting your own family?

Siblings are genetically related and helping to ensure a brother or sister survives the first perilous months increases the chances some of your genes will make it into future generations.

Bibliography

To see references, visit the bibliography for this class.

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