Definition & Meaning of "badger"

What is a "badger"?

The badger is a medium-sized mammal known for its stocky build, distinctive appearance, and burrowing behavior. Badgers belong to the Mustelidae family, which also includes animals such as weasels, otters, and ferrets. Badgers have a compact body with short legs, a broad head, and a thick coat of fur. They are typically gray or black in color with a white stripe running down their face and body. Badgers are well-adapted to digging and have strong forelimbs with long claws that they use to excavate burrows in the ground, where they live and raise their young. They are opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of prey, including small mammals, insects, birds, and fruits. Badgers are known for their powerful digging abilities, which allow them to create extensive burrow systems known as setts. They are primarily nocturnal animals, active during the night, and are found in a wide range of habitats.