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TEXT-BOOK OF ZOOLOGY 



2. The Badger (Aides taxvs). 



(Length about 2j feet.) 



.4. Structure and Food. 

 From its plump body and strong legs, which in walking touch 

 the ground with the entire sole of the foot (plantigrade), we may 

 gather that we are dealing with a clumsy, awkward fellow, unable 

 either to creep or leap or climb, or to run fast or slip through crevices. 

 Consequently the badger is unable to prey upon quick-footed creatures, 

 and has to be content with food of another kind ; it is, in fact, an 

 omnivorous animal like the pig and bear (which see). 



The Badger. (One-eighth natural size.) 



of this fact. They resemble in general 



t the molars have broad crowns, and 



refore, more adapted for crushing than 



3 badger consists of juicy roots, bulbs, 



tungi— aiso, wnen ouiamauie, all kinds of fruit, especially sweet grapes, 



the larva? of the cockchafer and other insects, earthworms, snails, mice 



and rats, lizards, toads and snakes. Occasionally, also, it will plunder 



a bird's nest, or surprise a young hare in its hiding-place. 



In the search for food it is aided by — 



(b) Its long, broad and sharp daws, with which it digs for larva and 

 worms. 



(c) By its trunk-like snout, with which it burrows among the fallen 

 leaves. 



