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Predators and defences against them

The adults of most of the badger species have few natural enemies. Their cubs however are more vulnerable, and may be taken by larger carnivores and birds of prey. Adult badgers may also be tackled by these predators, even though most badgers will put up quite a fight, defending themselves with tooth, claw, and in some cases, smell!

The striking facial patterns displayed by most of the badger species probably act as warning colouration (just like the black and white patterning of the skunk or the black and yellow banding of bees and wasps). The message sent by these patterns is: "Attack at your peril, I can look after myself!". Young badgers, which are not able to defend themselves, probably benefit from having the same markings as their parents, in much the same way as the harmless hoverfly benefits from the fact that it looks like a wasp. It has also been suggested that the colouration of young cheetahs - smoky grey bodies with a light, furry 'mantle' running along the back - helps to camouflage them in the grass, and to work as a mimicry defence, as it makes them look like a honey badger [w037].

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Picture credits

The photo of the badger footprint used at the head of this Article is © Steve Jackson. Credits for the photos used in the right-hand margin of this page for site navigation can be found on the Credits page.

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