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A to Z of carnivorous mammals

Well known for their howls, coyotes are widespread across North America—even in towns and cities. Although coyotes live in small groups, they hunt alone or in pairs, usually at night. They most often prey on rabbits and rodents, although they will also take other small creatures.CoyoteWell known for their howls, coyotes are widespread across North America—even in towns and cities. Although coyotes live in small groups, they hunt alone or in pairs, usually at night. They most often prey on rabbits and rodents, although they will also take other small creatures.The carnivores include a number of mammal families: cats, dogs, bears, civets, hyenas, weasels, raccoons and mongooses. Most are meat-eaters, but some feed on insects and fruit, and a few eat only plants. Many carnivores seek out and kill other animals for food. Known as predators, they must use stealth, speed and strength to overcome their prey. Some carnivores are scavengers: they feed on kills made by others.

European badgers spend the summer gorging on earthworms, insects, fruit and small mammals. By winter, a badger will have built up the reserves it needs to survive the cold. In late summer and autumn, they hollow out chambers in their sett ready for new cubs.A European badger claws out soilEuropean badgers spend the summer gorging on earthworms, insects, fruit and small mammals. By winter, a badger will have built up the reserves it needs to survive the cold. In late summer and autumn, they hollow out chambers in their sett ready for new cubs.

Badgers

Badgers are members of the weasel family. They have stocky bodies and strong paws for burrowing. They are nocturnal. Most badgers feed on earthworms, slugs and insects, but some badgers will also kill and eat birds and small mammals. The honey badger, or ratel, breaks open beehives to reach the honey inside.

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