Engraving by Walter Heubach (1865–1923)
Latest News – 02/04/2021
Last night I was visited by two badgers. One was very much larger about the hindquarters than the other, so I am guessing that she is carrying cubs (2 to 5 is the usual number). If she is, then she’s a bit late, as most cubs are born in February. However, badgers exhibit delayed implantation whereby they can delay development long after mating, so perhaps they postponed pregnancy because of the bad weather. Perhaps she’s only now venturing out after giving birth and hasn’t regained her figure. Or maybe he/she is just overweight because of all the fatballs and peanuts I’ve been feeding them.
Whatever, I’m always pleased to see them as they noisily snuffle up food just a foot from my door. I particularly love the way they park their bums while feeding, supporting themselves on their forelegs. I’ve also been impressed by their active energy – they really hustle. They quickly trot around without pause on their stumpy little legs as soon as they’ve made sure not a scrap of food remains, always hurrying to the next snack. It’s easy to see how they can find and consume up to 200 earthworms a night.
For more on the badgers, see Short Notices – The Return Of The Badgers