mäyrä

Mäyrä is the Finnish word for badger. The European badger, Meles meles, is a species of carnivorous mammal in the family Mustelidae. It is native to Europe and parts of Western Asia. Mäyrät are stout, powerfully built animals with short, strong legs and long claws, well-suited for digging. They typically have a greyish coat with distinctive black and white markings on their face. The muzzle is usually white, and there are black stripes running from the nose to the ears.

Mäyrät are primarily nocturnal and are known for their complex underground burrow systems, called setts. These setts can be very large and have been used by generations of badgers. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of food sources including earthworms, insects, small mammals, birds' eggs, fruits, and roots. Their diet can vary seasonally depending on availability.

Mäyrät are generally solitary when foraging but live in social groups within their setts, especially during the breeding season. They are known to be territorial and will defend their setts. In Finland, mäyrä populations are found across the country, inhabiting woodlands, fields, and often areas near human settlements. They are a common sight in the Finnish wilderness, although their nocturnal nature can make them elusive.