THE BADGER 



unmistakable traces of its presence in the woods and copses, where the 

 turf and soil have been routed by the snout of the animal while searching 

 for grubs or roots during these evening rambles. In autumn I have often 

 found the nests of wasps dug out and scattered, as the larvae of the 

 insects form a favourite food of the Badger, who finds no difficulty in 

 ^^gg^^g out the combs with his claws, while his thick coat effectually 

 protects him from the stings of the insects. 



The Badger takes life easily and passes a good part of it asleep in 

 his den, though he is active enough when out at night on his rambles. 

 His stronghold is an elaborate system of burrows dug far into the soil, 

 and as a rule in a sloping bank, in which are various turns and corners, 

 serving as vantage ground, where the animal can best defend itself against an 

 enemy. Often there are several entrance tunnels to the fortress. 



The Badger is scrupulously clean and tidy in his habits, and makes 

 a comfortable bed for himself of dead bracken and grasses which is 

 periodically replenished or sometimes taken out to air and replaced. He 

 seldom leaves his home in the daytime, but during the short summer 

 nights may come out about sundown. 



On the whole, the Badger is a harmless and useful animal, devouring 

 worms, grubs, reptiles, and various grubs and roots, though also partial 

 to young rabbits, eggs, or other dainties he may come across. 



With his keen power of scent he is able to detect the exact spot 

 where a family of young rabbits have been left in their underground 

 nursery, when he will dig directly down on them. 



Though less active in winter the Badger does not hibernate, and 



will come out when snow covers the ground. I have seen their tracks 



as they left the neighbourhood of their earths, crossing a field to a 



distant plantation, showing where they made their nightly excursions. 



Three or four young are born at a time in spring. 



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