Badger

BadgerIncredibly the United Kingdom has been home to badgers for some 250,000 years and it is currently estimated that there are a quarter of a million spread throughout this country.

Badgers are said to be loved by most and seen by few. They generally shelter underground during the daytime so it's hardly surprising they appear to be very illusive. They use the long claws on their front paws to create burrows known as setts and surface at night to forage for food which consists of earthworms, insects, roots, fruits and berries. They collect bedding material such as hay, straw and leaves, roll it into a bundle and then drag it backwards into their sett.

Deciduous woods, copses and hedgerows are the most common location for badger setts where they live with up to fourteen other badgers.

Male badgers (boars) weigh up to 11kgs and are slightly larger than the females (sows).

If the situation dictates Badgers can be quite ferocious and will stand their ground at all costs.  Non-European Badgers are said to be capable of fighting off larger predators such as wolves, coyotes and even bears when they feel they or their family are under threat.

Our Badger certainly looks strong and solid but he does have a softer side too -  he has beautiful black beady eyes, a very soft coat and the merest hint of a smile on his face.  Once again, this is a fine example of Hansa’s craftsmanship and their attention to detail.

Toys That Teach A great part of Hansa's mission is to educate children and adults alike about the world's animals and so, as well as being very close plush recreations of the original, every Hansa toy comes with a 'Toys That Teach' tag, which describes each animal's:

- Habitat
- Lifestyle
- Gestation period
- Care of young
- Eating habits

So you not only get a wonderful soft toy but also an understanding of the animal and its behaviour in its very own kingdom.