Badgers: How to Handle Anger

Members of the Weasel Family (Mustelidae), three different animals are called “Badger”. However, these three “Badgers” differ in significant ways, so much that They are classified by scientists as three different species. This is important to know in reading about “Badger” in an “animal wisdom” book, in order to know what animal are they referring to.

The “true badger” is Eurasian Badger (Meles meles), who lives with his family in large underground catacombs called “setts”. Included in his group of Melinae is Indonesian Stink Badger, who looks like a Skunk, and Burmese Ferret Badger, who climbs trees to eat birds. These animals are what most people consider to be “Badger”.

American Badger (Taxidea taxus) is the only “Badger” that lives in the New World. Unlike Eurasian Badger, He lives alone. Living in the North American prairies and dry plains, American Badger digs holes to escape the hot sun. He is known best for his aggressive nature.

The third animal called “Badger” is Ratel or Honey Badger (Millivora capensis). Living in Africa, Honey Badger attacks and eats venomous Snakes and large Mammals. Unlike the other “Badgers”, Honey Badger has an ally -- the Bird called Honey Guide. Together, They find Honey Badger’s favorite food, which is honey.

Why are all these animals called “Badger?” First, They have the distinctive Badger stripe on their heads. Second, They look like a cross between Skunks and small Bears. Third, like Skunks, They have well developed musk glands. With their strong claws, these Carnivores hunt by digging out their prey.

All Badgers are known for their fierceness. When cornered by an enemy, Badgers bristle their fur and look menacing. With their tough skin, They can withstand most bites. Using their powerful jaws and sharp claws, Badgers ably defend Themselves.

Badgers teach how to get angry in a productive way. They neither seek a fight nor do They try to avoid one. When provoked, Badgers will emit a foul musky order, and bare their teeth. When faced with an opponent, Badgers will use their enemy’s hesitation to dig Themselves into the ground for protection. Otherwise, They use their fierceness to defend Themselves. Understand the positive aspects of anger from Badger. Just do not succumb to being vicious, as Badger sometimes does.

Honey Badger