46^ 
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; but 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 Badger to be a carnivorous animal. 
