Badger Tail | Do Badgers Have Tails?

If you’re interested in learning about a badger’s tail, then you’ve certainly come to the right place. In this post, we’ll be discussing what a badger’s tail might look like and how different types of badgers might have slightly different types of tails. We’ll also discuss their length, color, and any other identifying factors that might be important for observers. 

Do Badgers Have Tails?

Most badgers are known for having short and fluffy tails. There are usually reasonable amounts of fur on a badger’s tail, although this can vary depending on their local region and subspecies. A honey badger may have a tail between 6 inches and 12 inches, while other types of badgers can have long tails that are up to 20 inches in total length.

It’s important to understand how each type of badger might have a different length of tail. Honey badgers usually have shorter tails, while other types of badgers may have longer tails. In most cases, all badger tails are between 6 inches and 20 inches, although there can be exceptions. 

American badgers have some of the shortest tails of all types of badgers. They have tails as short as 4 inches, although many of them fall into the general range between 6 and 8 inches. Female badgers tend to have shorter tails than male badgers. Source.

Do Badgers Have a Bushy Tail?

Yes, badgers tend to have a bushy tail. They are not as busy as some animals such as foxes, and skunks. Badgers tend to waddle when they walk, due to their short legs and small bodies. Not having a longer tail, makes it harder to balance. Their bushy tails also work to keep them warmer in the winter months, when they are in their den/sett. Source.

Different Types of Badger Tails

Different types of badgers can have different types of tails. When comparing the American badger, European badger, and honey badger, there are several similarities and differences that can immediately be noticed. 

American Badger

The American badger is known for having the shortest tail on average when directly compared to most other types of badgers. With an average length of about 5 inches, the American badger has a short and furry tail that remains minuscule when compared to a honey badger’s tail, which can be two or three times larger in length.

European Badger

The European badger has a slightly lengthier tail than the American badger, but it still has the same furry appearance that an American badger’s tail would look like. Most European badgers have a tail that is approximately 20 centimeters in length. This equates to being about 7 or 8 inches in length, which is about twice as large as some American badger tails. 

The European and American badger has an average tail length that is much shorter than a honey badger’s tail. 

See our article for American Badgers Vs European Badgers

Honey Badger

On average, honey badgers have tails that are about 9 inches long. Some honey badgers have been spotted with tails estimated to be up to 12 inches in total length. With a dark-colored tail, the honey badger’s lower body remains the same color as its tail in many cases. 

All badgers have short tails which can reduce their ability to remain balanced when climbing large objects like trees. This is one reason that badgers of all types like to remain on the ground level. Despite their short tails, they still manage to adapt to their local environment fairly well and they are not afraid to climb objects when necessary. 

Badger Tails are Sensitive

Badgers, and wild animals in general, tend to have very sensitive tails. They use them for balance and other uses that help them navigate the wild. Messing with a badger’s tail is a sure-fire way to get the kind of attention that you do not want. While badgers are small animals, they are known for being fierce when they have to be. Honey badgers are well-known for fighting many ferocious animals, such as cobras and lions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS6yTMeLxFA

What Color Is A Badger’s Tail?

It is common for mature badgers to have dark-colored tails, usually either gray or black. In some cases, badgers can have lighter color tails, but it is generally pretty rare. 

Some badgers may have a striped tail. This is slightly more common on their upper body though. Badgers generally have short and dark tails which blend with the color of their lower body. 

A badger’s tail can be one of the easiest identifiable parts of its body, although it can be incredibly challenging to see it in the wilderness since badgers are nocturnal and usually only come out during the middle of the night.

See our article for What Do Badgers Look Like here.

Related Questions

Do badgers have short tails compared to other animals?

If you compare the length of a badger’s tail to other types of similar animals, you might notice a general trend that suggests badgers have shorter tails. This is probably because they are not commonly seen climbing objects. It’s important to remember that tails can help animals balance while climbing and badgers prefer to remain grounded.

Which type of badger has the longest tail?

Honey badgers generally have longer tails than other types of badgers. The European and American badgers have slightly shorter tails on average when directly compared to the honey badger.

What colors are common for a badger tail?

It’s common for most badgers to have dark-colored tails that are gray, black, or dark brown. The lower portion of their body is usually darker than their upper body, which includes most of their tail. Dark-colored tails can be difficult to spot on a badger, especially in low-light conditions during the night when badgers are commonly seen roaming the wilderness. In rare cases, badgers may have a striped tail with multiple color patterns.