The color of this animal is a little odd for a furbearer; most of them are darker colored above and lighter below. The ratel is usually gray and white on top and black underneath. Maybe his color pattern is used as a warning, since that description brings to mind a skunk.
The ratel or honey badger has short legs and stout claws and is a strong burrower and a good climber. Small ears and a blunt muzzle adorn his face. Possessing very loose and tough skin on its body, this animal will twist in its skin if caught and try and bite its adversary.
It is generally a solitary animal but it has also been observed in small groups. Ratels are nomadic and have a large home range. They are very secretive and usually nocturnal, hunting at night.
This amazing mammal can grow to around three feet long, including his tail. Despite his size, this small creature will not back away from a fight. When threatened, a ratel usually attacks. His long, thick, sharp front claws are used for digging, attack, and defense.
As a predator, the ratel uses its quickness to run down much of its prey. The ratel is a tireless hunter. Travelling in a jog trot, he will trail his prey until he runs it to the ground. It attacks even poisonous snakes, relying on its shaggy coat to protect it from harm. Squat and muscular, the ratel is ready for battle, having been known to attack animals much larger than itself such as the African buffalo, the gnu, or waterbuck. The ratel also seems to have a relationship with the honeyguide bird. This bird will locate a beehive and lead the ratel to it. The ratel will rip open the beehive, eat the honey, and then leaves the hive for the bird. The bird then eats the wax and larvae. Co-operation? Coincidence? Accident? It works, that's all that counts, they both benefit from the exchange.
Go To Page: 1
