Description
The badger is a powerful, stocky forest dweller with distinctive black-and-white stripes on its head. In the Netherlands it's a protected species found in most forest areas. They live in extensive burrow systems.
Behavior
Badgers are nocturnal and rarely seen during the day. They're naturally shy but can bite hard if cornered. They have very powerful jaws.
What to do
Keep a generous distance and never block a burrow entrance. If a badger bites, try to withdraw calmly and quietly. Don't push it away with fast movements.
Pro tip
Badger setts are recognizable by large mounds of excavated soil and wide paths (15–20 cm wide). Never camp right next to a sett.
Interesting fact
A badger sett can be in use for decades and contain hundreds of meters of tunnels. Some setts are more than 100 years old.