Badgers Gallery

European badger, Meles meles, on grass field

European badger, Meles meles, on grass field. Although classified as a carnivore, the European badger feeds on a wide variety of plant and animal foods, feeding on earthworms, large insects, small mammals, carrion, cereals and tubers. Litters of up to five cubs are produced in spring. The young are weaned a few months later but usually remain within the family group. The European badger has been known to share its burrow with other species such as rabbits and red foxes, but it can be ferocious when provoked, a trait which has been exploited in the now illegal blood sport of badger-baiting. Badgers are a reservoir for bovine tuberculosis, which also affects cattle. In England, culling of badger populations is used to reduce the incidence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle. Portugal Date: 14-04-2020

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European Badger hindfoot showing pads and claws

European Badger hindfoot showing pads and claws (Meles meles)

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