88 THE WORLD OF ANIMAL LIFE 



is not unlike the pig; but it is provided, like several members of 

 the weasel family, with a stink gland that serves as a defence 

 against its enemies. 



The badger is found both in the Old and New Worlds, and in 

 all varieties of climate, from the intense heat of Central Africa to 

 the equally extreme cold of Siberia. 



The common badger makes its home in a hole dug on the 



Badger 



sunny side of lonely wooded hills. Passages ot eight to ten 

 yards in length, and sometimes as many as ten in number, lead 

 from the surface above into a large underground chamber, which is 

 made snug and warm with moss and dried leaves. Only two or 

 three of these passages serve as everyday passage-ways to the 

 outside; the others are intended for ventilation, or for flight in 

 case of urgent danger. 



In this cosy den the badger spends the day, and it ventures out 

 only with great caution when night begins to fall. It is said that 

 the fox sometimes visits the badger without an invitation, and stays 

 longer than its host desires. It makes itself quite at home in the 

 badger's house, forcing the owner to retire into the deepest part of 

 its dwelling. 



In sunny lands the badger remains active the whole year round. 



