Easily identified by the conspicuous black and white stripes on the side of their heads, these nocturnal creatures can commonly be found in forests and grassland. Gregarious and stocky, they indulge in many social activities and have strong social bonds.
In 2002 there was controversy over their alleged role in the spreading of bovine TB, and the Department for Food, Environment and Rural affairs undertook a culling exercise to establish whether the spread occurs or not. The debate about their role in the spread (or not) continues to this day.
While not endangered, badger numbers are depleted and as a result they are protected in the UK by various wildlife acts.
Badger
