Honey badgers have a ʙɪᴛᴇ that makes the ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ of cold-ʙʟᴏᴏᴅᴇᴅ opponents run even colder. Some think honey badgers don’t care, but that’s not quite accurate. In reality, these medium-sized weasels have super-sized personalities. Ratels, or honey badgers, are related to skunks, otters, ferrets, and other badgers.
The name of these ravenous omnivores comes from their love of honey and honeybee larvae. Insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are also eaten, as well as roots, bulbs, berries, and fruits. Though they primarily hunt for their own food, they will gladly take from other carnivores or scavenge the k.i.l.l.s of larger animals when the chance comes. Their keen teeth, long foreclaws, and stocky body enable them to readily shred meat off bone.
Habitat and range
Honey badgers are widespread in much of Sub-Saharan Africa, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and western Asia. They can adapt to a wide range of environments, from tropical rain forests to chilly highlands. Their home ranges may be up to 193 square miles in size (500 square kilometers).
Honey badger homes
Most honey badgers are active throughout the day, however they may prefer the shelter of night near human areas. They are frequently observed alone, however it is not rare to witness mating couples. Honey badgers mate all year and usually only have one youngster at a time. Honey badgers, who can build shelters out of rock crevices and hollowed trees, will also live in the abandoned dens of other species such as porcupines and yellow mongooses.
Tʜʀᴇᴀᴛs
Despite the fact that honey badgers are ubiquitous and prolific, they are ʜᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ or ᴘᴇʀsᴇᴄᴜᴛᴇᴅ in some areas, particularly when they come into confrontation with farmers and beekeepers. Honey badgers are also consumed as bushmeat and gathered for the traditional medicine trade; their boldness and persistence make them desirable for traditional medicine. Local inhabitants must be vigilant in order to prevent the ᴇxᴛɪɴᴄᴛɪᴏɴ of honey badgers in particular places.
Honey badgers Diet : Omnivore
AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE WILD: Up to 7 years
SIZE: 9 to 11 inches high at shoulder
WEIGHT: 13 to 30 pounds
