468 BADGER. 



fore feet are very long and strait, and it is prin- 

 cipally from this circumstance that Mr. Pennant 

 ranks it under a separate genus, instead of in- 

 cluding it under that of Ursus or Bear. Authors 

 have sometimes made a distinction between what 

 they have called the Sow Badger and the Dog 

 Badger; hut this is supposed to be perfectly un- 

 tenable, and if there be any perceptible varia- 

 tion, is probably no other than a mere sexual dif- 

 ference. The hair of the Badger, both on the 

 body, limbs, and tail, is very thick ; and the teeth, 

 legs, and claws, are very strong ; so that he makes 

 a very vigorous defence when attacked. When 

 taken young, the Badger' may be easily tamed, 

 and generally prefers raw flesh to every other 

 food in a state of captivity. It is a very cleanly 

 animal, and is observed to keep its subterraneous 

 mansion extremely neat. The female produces 

 about three or four young : this happens in sum- 

 mer*; and, according to the Count de Buffon, 

 the parent seizes on young rabbets f, which she 

 drags out of their burrows, birds, eggs, snakes, 

 and many other animals, in order to feed her 

 young. Like the Bear, this animal is also fond 

 of honey, and will attack hives in order to obtain 

 it. The Badger sleeps a great deal, especially 

 during winter, when he imitates the practice of 



* Mr. Schreber says in February. 



f Mr. Pennant feems very much to doubt this, and can hardly 

 admit the Bader to be a carnivorous animal. 



