The European badger is a nocturnal mammal found across Europe, known for its distinctive black and white facial markings. It has a stout body, short legs, and a bushy tail, typically measuring about 60 to 90 centimeters in length. Badgers are social animals, often living in groups called clans within extensive underground burrows known as setts. These animals primarily feed on earthworms, insects, and small mammals, making them important for soil health and ecosystem balance. The European badger is protected in many countries due to habitat loss and hunting pressures, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to ensure its survival.