European 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.