Monthly Diary
Of course, these are
"averages" for the UK. If you live in the far North, your badgers may
be a week or two later; or in the South a week or two earlier.


January
Badgers still spend a lot of time in the relative warmth of their underground
sett. However, badgers do not hibernate; and
they will come outside to feed (even in snow - see our Pictures
page for proof of a snow-loving
Russian Badger).
February
This is the time when most badger cubs
are born. It is also the time when most mating
occurs and when a great deal of territorial
marking and disputes occur.
March
Signs of territorial marking are obvious, and bedding collection is a
prominent activity.
April
Badgers will be coming out of their setts before full darkness; and this is
when the cubs will be first emerge from their underground home for the first
time.
May
Mating occurs some more; and the cubs begin to explore their surroundings as
they become more courageous.
June
Most cubs are now weaned and have started foraging with the female (sow).
Emergence from the sett can be very early - especially for cubs with an
independent streak!
July
The cubs have now begun to play less and eat more. Badgers will go off to
feed fairly quickly after emergence from the sett if the weather is dry.
August
This can be one of the worst times for cubs - especially is the weather is
dry. Drought conditions can be harmful (especially for cubs). The adults may
well be eating cereals and wasps nests now.
September
The sows become ready for mating again and much mating occurs. This is also a
peak time for the collection of bedding and digging.
October
The badger now has to put on weight rapidly, and will eat more things -
especially fruits and nuts.
November
Food now becomes harder to find; and
badgers tend to emerge from the sett later and later. Also, due to the lack of
food, they tend to start relying on their fat reserves.
December
Badgers, whilst not hibernating, sleep for longer and longer periods. They
also emerge from the less much less often. It is also during December that the
female becomes pregnant (even though mating took place as long ago as
September).
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