Badgers are nocturnal creatures known for their complex underground homes, referred to as setts. These subterranean structures are far more elaborate than simple holes, representing a sophisticated network built by generations. Their setts serve as central hubs for their social lives and daily activities.
The Badger Sett An Underground Home
A badger sett is a complex, three-dimensional system of interconnected tunnels and chambers. Badgers construct these elaborate underground spaces for shelter from predators and harsh weather. The sett provides a secure location for raising young, known as cubs, offering protection and warmth. It also functions as a communal living space for a badger clan, which can include multiple individuals.
These subterranean dwellings are typically excavated into banks, hillsides, or beneath the protective root systems of trees. Such locations offer natural stability and concealment for the numerous entrances. The internal environment of a sett remains remarkably stable, with deeper sections maintaining consistent temperature and humidity. Badgers maintain clean living conditions within their setts, regularly removing discarded bedding material and using specific latrine areas outside the main living quarters. The communal nature of the sett supports social cohesion and provides a safe haven for the entire group.
Measuring a Badger Sett
Badger setts vary considerably in dimensions, from simple burrows to extensive tunnel systems. A large sett can encompass hundreds of meters of tunnels and feature numerous entrances. One study in the Cotswolds found a well-established sett with 12 entrances and a total tunnel length of 310 meters. Another large sett was estimated to have required the excavation of 25 tonnes of soil to create its complex structure.
Tunnel dimensions typically measure around 30 centimeters wide by 20 to 25 centimeters high, often with a flattened oval or D-shaped profile. These tunnels usually drop steeply from the entrance before extending horizontally, generally between 0.5 and 1.5 meters below the ground surface. Some tunnels can reach depths of up to 4 meters, though most are shallower.
Within the tunnel network are larger chambers used for sleeping, nesting, and raising young. These chambers are typically 50 to 60 centimeters in diameter and about 45 centimeters high, often lined with dry vegetation like grass or leaves for insulation. An average main sett often has 6-7 entrances, though some large setts can have over 50. The extensive nature of these homes allows for rotation of sleeping chambers, contributing to hygiene and parasite control.
What Influences Sett Size
The size and complexity of a badger sett evolve based on environmental and social factors. The age of the sett is a primary influence; older setts, expanded over many generations, are generally larger and more intricate. Some setts have been continuously occupied for over a hundred years.
The size of the badger clan also directly affects sett dimensions. Larger social groups require more living space, leading to more extensive tunnel systems and chambers. While a single sett can house up to 35 individuals, its size is more a function of its history and the soil type.
Soil type plays a significant role in how easily badgers can excavate and expand their homes. Setts are typically dug in well-drained, easy-to-dig soil like sandy loam, which allows for larger structures. Rocky or clay soils are more challenging to excavate, often resulting in smaller setts. Proximity to food sources and suitable digging sites also influence how large a sett becomes within a badger’s territory.
Varieties of Badger Setts
Badgers utilize a hierarchical system of setts across their territory, each serving distinct purposes.
Main Sett
The main sett is the largest, most active, and continuously occupied structure within a territory, serving as the primary breeding site. It typically features a substantial number of entrances and well-worn paths.
Annex Setts
Annex setts are located relatively close to the main sett, typically 50 to 150 meters away, and may be connected by well-used paths. These setts are generally smaller but can be active, used as overflow housing or for temporary shelter. They may not be in constant use throughout the year.
Subsidiary Setts
Subsidiary setts are located further from the main sett and typically lack direct connections via obvious paths. These are usually smaller, with fewer entrances, and are used seasonally or as temporary refuge. Their use can fluctuate depending on environmental conditions or the clan’s needs.
Outlier Setts
The smallest and most remote are outlier setts, often consisting of just one or two holes. These setts are used sporadically, perhaps during foraging excursions or as escape routes, and are not typically connected by clear pathways to other setts. While not always active, outlier setts provide additional shelter and contribute to the badgers’ ability to utilize their entire territory effectively.