Background information on badgers Badgers are medium-sized mammals that belong to the family Mustelidae, which also includes weasels, otters, and ferrets. There are 11 different species of badgers that can be found all around the world, including North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Badgers are known for their distinctive physical characteristics, including a stocky build, powerful legs, and sharp claws that are well adapted for digging.