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Honey badgers are the fiery little engines that could of the safari world. Despite their rather small size, honey badgers have one of the best-known reputations for having a “take no nonsense” attitude, and even when faced with the biggest threats from predators and even venomous snakes, this creature doesn’t stand down.
An escape artist with a bad temper, the honey badger is one of the animals just about everyone wants to see while on safari. And yet, despite all of its characteristics, the honey badger is actually rather elusive, making it a rare sighting while out in the bush.
Honey badgers continue to fascinate conservationists and tourists alike, and while you may think you know a thing or two about the badger, we have 10 facts you might not have heard of.
What Are Some Fun Facts About Honey Badgers?
Honey badgers (aka Mellivora capensis) are the ultimate underdogs of the African bush. And to give you a deeper understanding of how and why they are so respected, we have 10 jaw-dropping facts that’ll make you respect, and perhaps even adore this fearless fur ball.
- They’re Basically Immune to Snake Venom
Cobra for breakfast? No problem. Honey badgers can survive bites from deadly snakes, thanks to a unique biological resistance. Their ability to take on snakes that would normally kill with a single bite is legendary in Africa and something that you probably already know.
- Their Skin is Loose Armour
Their thick, rubbery skin is so loose that they can twist around and bite predators even when caught in a grip. Their skin is also incredibly tough, in fact, it is thicker than that of the buffalo!
- They Rest in Burrows
Honey badgers like to dig burrows when they want to rest. They will use their sharp claws to dig themselves into tree trunks, termite mounds or even just the ground.
- They Eat Everything
From venomous snakes to berries, birds, and even crocodile eggs, honey badgers are the ultimate omnivores. Their motto? “If it fits in my mouth, it’s food.”
- They Team Up with Birds
Honeyguides (birds) lead them to beehives. The badger then cracks open the hive, and both feast on honey and larvae. The best example of teamwork makes the dream work if ever there was!
- They’re Fearless Fighters
Lions, leopards, and hyenas? Honey badgers will square up to anyone. There’s a reason they’re called “the world’s most fearless animal” (and Guinness World Records agrees!).
- They Stink… On Purpose
When threatened, they can release a stinky musk from their anal glands, similar to a skunk. Predators (and humans) tend to nope out fast when that smell comes their way. No one wants to be beaten up by a stinky, angry badger!
- They’re Solo Adventurers
These loners roam territories up to 200 square miles (517 square kilometres).
- They’re Surprisingly Smart
Generally, animals that have strength and a bit of a bad attitude are not all that smart, but honey badgers totally defy the norm. They have been known to use tools like logs or rocks to reach food!
- They have the Strongest Jaws
This fact will make you steer well clear of a honey badger, should you ever stumble upon one in the wild. The jaw and the bite of the honey badger are considered some of the strongest in the world and their jaws just about never dislocate. This means once they have decided to bite, pretty much nothing will make them let go if they don’t want to.
Can a Honey Badger Survive a Snake Bite?
Short answer: Yes, and they’ll probably nap right after.
Honey badgers are legendary for their venom resistance. When bitten by a snake (even a black mamba!), their bodies neutralise the toxins thanks to a specialised protein that binds to venom molecules. Researchers believe this adaptation evolved because snakes are basically their favourite snack.
But here’s the really interesting thing about this particular trait; if the venom dose is too high, they might pass out temporarily… only to wake up and finish their meal.
If you’re lucky enough to spot a honey badger on your trip, watch them closely. Their snake-hunting antics are pure drama!
How Powerful Is a Honey Badger Bite?
Let’s put it this way: You wouldn’t want to arm-wrestle one as their jaws are so strong that they’ve been known to chew through concrete!
Honey badgers have a bite force of ~160 psi (pounds per square inch). So for comparison:
- Humans have ~120 psi
- Domestic dogs have ~230 psi
- Lions have ~650 psi
But while their bite is exactly the strongest in the animal world, their bite is devastatingly efficient. Their teeth are sharp enough to crush turtle shells, rip through thick hides, and decapitate snakes in milliseconds. They also have a unique “death shake” (like a terrier) to finish off prey.
What Is Special About the Honey Badger?
Honey badgers are the Swiss Army knives of the animal kingdom and they are equipped for survival in these ways that’ll leave you shook:
- Adaptability – They thrive in deserts, forests, and grasslands across Africa and Asia.
- Fearlessness – They’ll attack animals 10 times their size if provoked. Even apex predators think twice.
- Intelligence – Problem-solving skills rival primates. One study showed them using tools to escape enclosures in minutes.
- Sheer Persistence – They never give up. Ever.
But what truly makes them special? They embody the wild, untamed and pioneering spirit of Africa. So spotting one on safari isn’t just a checkmark, it’s a story you’ll tell forever.
Want to See the Animal That Fights Lions… and Wins?
If this list has you itching to see a honey badger in action, it’s time to book that safari!
While they’re elusive, destinations like Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Botswana’s Okavango Delta, and Namibia’s deserts are prime spots to see one. And if you want to increase your chances, you should book a night drive, as the honey badger is a nocturnal ninja!
So pack your binoculars and get ready to fall in love with nature’s toughest sweetheart.
P.S. Honey badgers might not care that you know so much about them… but your friends might be interested in these facts! Share this blog to spread the buzz.
