It is difficult not to recognize the good-natured, sharp-nosed badger muzzle, decorated with white stripes on a brown background. The animal seems to be rather clumsy and heavy, with folds of fat, which is believed to have healing properties. And yet it is still a predatory animal.
With a body length of 110 centimeters, taking into account the tail, by winter the animal eats off up to thirty-odd kilograms. For an active lifestyle, this is indeed a bit too much, however, in the northern latitudes, where winters are harsh and snowy, it is absolutely necessary, because the animal hibernates in its luxurious deep hole. The badger does not make reserves for the winter, but accumulates them in the form of fatty deposits, like a bear. In the lower latitudes of the range, this representative of the mustelidae family leads the usual way of life for a forest predator in winter, sleeping off during the day and going out to hunt in the dark. Badgers are sedentary animals and prefer their homes. Grown up cubs, leaving the mother's nest, settle nearby. Thus, whole badger towns are formed, in which the animal dynasty has lived for millennia. With short, powerful legs with strong claws reaching 5 cm in length, badgers tirelessly improve their home. The Badger Burrow is a true masterpiece of underground architecture. Usually 2-3 cozy nesting chambers, lined with soft bedding of moss and foliage, are connected by multi-meter tunnels and equipped with air ducts. They can be located at a depth of 5 m, sometimes under an aquifer that protects the dwelling from rain and melt water. Neighboring burrows can also be connected by passages, forming a single settlement. This predator is surprisingly clean. At least once every six months, the litter in the burrow is completely replaced with a new one. Before leaving its dwelling, the animal carefully puts itself in order - it licks and brushes its fur. For the toilet, he digs separate holes, which he buries as it fills. It is not surprising that the mansions of such a hard worker and neat often become the object of desire of other forest dwellers, who, with all sorts of tricks, try to force the rightful owner out of his hole.
