Badgers: Britain’s largest land predator 🦡 #europeanbadger #badger #england #uk #greatbritain

Added: 2026-05-26

[00:00:00]Did you know that European brown bears were once Britain's largest land predators? However, since their extinction 1,500 years ago, European badgers have now taken their place as Britain's largest land predator.

[00:00:15]But before I get started, hi, my name is Emily and I talk about all things wildlife and natural history. So, drop me a follow if you want to learn more.

[00:00:21]Badgers are one of the most well-known British species.

[00:00:25]They are known for their famous black and white stripes and strong sturdy body. European badgers measure 75 to 100 cm in length >> [music] >> and they can weigh up to 12 kg. And they have an average lifespan of 5 to 8 years.

[00:00:40]Badgers are widespread throughout Britain. They can be found in grasslands, farmlands, woodlands, and towns and gardens.

[00:00:48]Although the European badger is taxonomically classified as a carnivore, it is actually an omnivore.

[00:00:54]Badgers feed on a variety of different foods including earthworms, small mammals, large insects, [music] carrion, and cereals.

[00:01:03]Britain was once home to top apex predators such as the European brown bear, Eurasian lynx, and of course the grey wolf. Sadly, all of these species were persecuted to extinction thousands of years ago.

[00:01:17]Which means the European badger remains as Britain's largest land predator.