Do Badgers Make Good Pets? (Quick Answer)

Disclaimer: The information presented below is for general informational & educational purposes only. Always consult with animal professionals in case of specific concerns.

Do badgers make good pets?

Is it legal to keep them?

Badgers are fascinating to watch, and they’re also quite funny.

Badgers are very clever, and they’re great at digging.

They can tunnel through soft soil quickly, and they can also dig up food underground.

And in this post, we will be discussing whether you can keep a badger as a pet.

Are badgers friendly to humans?

Sadly, no, badgers are not friendly to humans.

They can be quite aggressive and even dangerous if they feel threatened.

However, there are ways to avoid confrontation with a badger, such as making sure you don’t approach them too closely or make loud noises that could scare them.

If you do encounter a badger, it’s best to just back away slowly and give them plenty of space.

So, do badgers make good pets?

No, they don’t.

Badgers are wild animals, and no matter how much you try to domesticate them, they will always remain wild at heart.

They are also very aggressive and can be dangerous to both children and adults.

If you’re looking for a cuddly pet to keep you company, a badger is not the right choice for you.

What type of badger is the most aggressive?

There are two types of badgers – the European badger and the American badger.

In general, badgers are not very dangerous, but the European one is generally considered to be more aggressive than the American one.

However, you shouldn’t approach either type of badger too closely, and you should make sure you give them plenty of space if you do encounter one.

How long does a badger live?

Badgers can live for up to around 20 years in the wild, although the average lifespan is closer to 10 years.

In captivity, badgers have been known to live for over 25 years.

Badgers are big animals, and their size helps them to survive predators and other threats.

They are also very strong, and their claws can be deadly weapons.

All of these factors contribute to the badger’s relatively long lifespan.

Of course, not all badgers make it to old age.

Many die young due to disease, accidents, or predators.

Others may succumb to hunger during times of food scarcity.

So while badgers can live for a long time, there is no guarantee that any individual badger will reach a ripe old age.

Can you keep a badger as a pet in the UK?

The answer is no – you cannot keep a badger as a pet in the UK without a license.

However, if you are keen on having a badger as a pet, you can apply for a license to keep a wild badger.

The process of getting a license to keep a wild badger can be complicated, and it is important to make sure that you meet all of the requirements before applying.

You will need to provide detailed information about your property and how you will accommodate the badger, as well as explain why you want to keep one as a pet.

If you are successful in your application, you will be able to keep a wild badger as a pet.

Do badgers attack pets?

Badgers are not typically known for attacking pets, but there have been a few reported cases in which badgers have attacked dogs.

In most cases, the badger was either protecting its young or feeling threatened by the dog.

Read more: Bobcat Vs Badger: Who Would Win In A Fight?

Can you train a badger?

Badgers are not easy to train, and it is not recommended that you try.

They are wild animals, and their natural instinct is to be wary of humans.

They are also very strong and can be aggressive, so it is not safe to try and train them.

If you want a pet that you can train, a badger is not the right choice for you.

Are badgers solitary animals?

Yes, badgers are generally solitary animals, only coming together to mate or during the winter months when they may form small groups for warmth.

However, there have been instances where badgers have been found living in social groups.

These groups typically consist of a mother and her offspring, though other relatives may also be present.

There is little evidence to suggest that badgers living in social groups cooperate in any meaningful way, such as hunting or foraging together.

Each badger seems to go about its own business, only coming together to sleep or eat.

Related: Do Stoats Make Good Pets?

Will a badger bite you?

do badgers make good pets

Badgers are not typically known for biting humans, but there have been a few reported cases in which badgers have bitten people.

In most cases, the badger was either protecting its young or feeling threatened by the person.

So, while badgers might bite you if they feel threatened, it is not something that they will do without provocation.

Do badgers carry rabies?

Yes, badgers can carry rabies.

However, the disease is not common in badgers and there have only been a few reported cases in the United States.

Rabies is more commonly found in other animals such as skunks, raccoons, and bats.

If you are bitten by a badger, you should seek medical attention immediately and get a rabies vaccination.

Are badgers loyal?

Badgers are not typically thought of as being loyal animals, but they are known to form close bonds with their family members.

If a badger is orphaned or separated from its family, it will often become attached to another badger or even a human.

Badgers have also been known to show loyalty to their owners and will often follow them around or stay close by.

Conclusion

In summary, badgers wouldn’t be good pets to have since they are difficult to train, might bite without provocation, and can carry rabies.

Badgers typically live around 10 years in the wild but can live up to 25 years in captivity.

They are also big and strong animals with sharp claws that can be used as weapons.

All of these factors make badgers fascinating creatures, but not ideal pets.