The Honey Badger Explained

The honey badger is a mammal across Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. It's the sole living Mellivorinae.

Males weigh up to 16 kg. Its remarkably loose skin allows it to turn and twist freely.

Honey badger males are bigger and heavier than females.

This solitary carnivore eats insects, frogs, snakes, rodents, and birds. It devours all parts, including bones and feathers.

Adult males control an average home range of 548 square kilometers. A male territory often intersects with roughly 13 females.

The eversible anal pouch releases a suffocating smell that may calm bees during hive raids. Bees simply prefer to look the other way.

Females give birth after 50 to 70 days of gestation. Cubs remain under maternal care for over a year.

Despite its fearsome reputation, the IUCN Red List classifies the honey badger as least concern. It just wants everyone to relax.