ExploreMammals

honey badger

Mellivora capensis

Honey badgers are brave little animals known for their tough skin and fearless nature. They love to dig and can eat many things, including honey, which is why they are named honey badgers!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The honey badger has a stocky build with short legs and a distinct appearance. Its body is black, contrasted sharply by a broad white or grayish stripe running from its head down its back to its tail. It also has small eyes and ears.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyMustelidaeGenusMellivora
honey badger
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honey badger

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A honey badger can dig a deep burrow in minutes, disappearing fast from sight!

Honey badgers often eat snakes, even venomous ones, more than actual honey!

One of few animals that uses tools, like logs, to reach food!

Their thick, loose skin makes it tough for predators to bite or hold on!

Special abilities

Ability

Tough Defender

The honey badger has incredibly thick, loose skin that helps them resist bites and stings from foes.

Ability

Venomous Eater

Honey badgers can resist many snake venoms, which helps them hunt dangerous reptiles safely.

Ability

Digging Dynamo

They have long, powerful claws for digging rapidly, helping them find food or escape danger quickly.

Ability

Clever Tool-User

The honey badger can use rocks or sticks as tools, which helps them reach hidden food.

Measurements & details

Length
55-107 cm
Weight
5-16 kg
Lifespan
8-24 years
Top Speed
28 km/h
Litter Size
1-2
Gestation
50-70 days

Diet & Feeding

These fierce omnivores eat almost anything they can catch, from insects to snakes and roots!

Primary Foods

  • bees
  • honey
  • rodents
  • snakes
  • insects
  • birds

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Consumes larvae and honey from their nests.

hunts

Indian cobra

Naja naja

Predates on venomous snakes, resisting their toxins.

symbiotic with

Greater honeyguide

Indicator indicator

Bird leads badger to beehives, sharing the sweet reward.

eaten by

Lion

Panthera leo

Occasionally preyed upon by powerful big cats.

eaten by

Spotted hyena

Crocuta crocuta

Hyenas sometimes kill honey badgers over food.

Traits

Also known as

Ratel

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Honey badgers are wild animals and should be admired from a safe distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is honey badger?

55-107 cm

How much does honey badger weigh?

5-16 kg

How long does honey badger live?

8-24 years

How fast can honey badger move?

28 km/h

What does honey badger eat?

These fierce omnivores eat almost anything they can catch, from insects to snakes and roots!

Where is honey badger usually found?

Grasslands

How does honey badger hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does honey badger usually have?

1-2

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