Honey badger is an animal that lives in Saudi Arabia, India, Nepal, and much of Africa. This badgerlike animal is named for its fondness for honey. It is also called the ratel.
The honey badger is about 21/2 feet (76 centimeters) long, with white or dark-gray fur on its upper body and black fur on its underside. Honey badgers have long claws and powerful jaws for tearing at beehives. Thick, loose skin protects them from stings or bites. Honey badgers have a reputation for ferocity. They are known to aggressively attack any animal that disturbs them. In addition, honey badgers have special glands that give off a foul-smelling liquid that helps to discourage their enemies.
Honey badgers live in holes in the ground, among rocks, or in hollow logs, stumps, or trees. They may travel alone or in pairs. They are most active at dawn and at dusk. Honey badgers feed chiefly on honey, insects, small mammals, lizards, and both venomous and nonvenomous snakes. They also eat plants, roots, and fruit. The honey badger often looks for beehives with the help of a bird called the honeyguide The honeyguide’s call leads the honey badger to a beehive. The honey badger then breaks open the hive, and both animals feed.
