Badger's long claws and broad forepaws create an ideal digging tool and are used to excavate their extensive burrow systems. When badgers live in areas of heavy soil their claws can easily become clogged with mud. Under these circumstances they will use rough-barked trees such as elder and oak as a cleaner. The cleaning action also helps to keep their claws sharp.

A sett can house quite a number of individuals and regular scenting of each other provides an easy method of recognition. Upon emerging individuals greet each other and remain close to the burrow openings. Once they relax and are confident that no immediate danger is present the search for food begins. Earthworms are their main food but they will supplement this with cereals, seasonal fruit, beetles and some mammals, particularly young mammals that they dig out from their burrows.

The European badger can be found in most parts of Britain, with its black and white striped face being a familiar conservation symbol. In the past the badger's predators would have been bears and wolves, but since their extermination, their only predator is man, his car and his bulldozer.