What Is a Honey Badger?

The honey badger has a reputation that borders on legendary. Known as one of the toughest, boldest, and most fearless animals in the world, this creature is often misunderstood. Despite its small size, it has survived predators, venomous snakes, and even encounters with lions. But what exactly is a honey badger, and why does it inspire so much fascination?

Honey badger against lion

A honey badger is a small but extremely powerful mammal found in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Famous for its fearlessness, loose skin, sharp claws, and impressive intelligence, the honey badger survives by being adaptable, strong, and bold. It is not actually related to badgers that eat honey — the name comes from its habit of raiding beehives.

The Basic Identity of a Honey Badger

The honey badger, also known as the Ratel, is a member of the mustelid family — the same family as otters, weasels, and wolverines. These animals are built for toughness. With a stocky body, strong muscles, and a thick hide, honey badgers are designed for survival in harsh environments.

Adult honey badgers measure about 9–11 inches tall and 22–30 inches long, but don’t let the small size fool you. Their strength and aggression make them one of the most intimidating creatures in their habitat.

Why Is It Called a Honey Badger?

Despite the name, honey badgers don’t just eat honey — they eat almost everything. The name comes from their unique habit of raiding beehives, tolerating stings, and digging through wax to reach the larvae inside.

This behavior is so iconic that it became part of their identity, even though beehives are only a tiny part of their diet.

Their official name, “Ratel,” comes from the Afrikaans word for “honeycomb.”