European badger

Description:

The badger is the largest land-based predator in the Netherlands. It is part of the mustelid family, along with the otter, weasel, stoat, polecat, mink, pine marten, and beech marten. Badgers have large, broad heads on powerfully built, stocky bodies. They have short legs and short, broad, bushy tails. They have black-and-white fur on their back and flanks, with a yellow-white undercoat. Their heads are white with two broad black stripes. The badger has strong toes with long, curved claws that make excellent digging tools.

Habitat:

Badgers live in a variety of habitats, but prefer small fields and grasslands with scattered bushes, hedges, and hedgerows. Badgers need sufficient ground cover, minimal disruption, a large food supply, and ground that is easy to dig in. Badgers are nocturnal animals and only leave their dens or setts at dusk. This is when they explore the area and groom their coats. The badgers then go in search for food, either alone or in group, roaming up to four kilometres from their setts.

Notes:

Badger caught on trail camera near a small forest pond called Pluizenmeer, Veluwe, Holland. (sources:see reference)