Sett

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This article is about badgers' setts. For other meanings of sett see Sett (disambiguation)

A sett is a network of tunnels making up a badger's homestead. The largest setts are spacious enough to accommodate 15 animals, with up to 300 m(1000 ft) of tunnels and as many 40 openings. It takes several years to dig these setts[1]. Setts are typically excavated in soil that is well drained and easy to dig, such as sand, and situated on sloping ground where there is some cover[2].

Badgers typically retreat to their setts at daybreak, and come out at dusk. In cold regions, setts are dug below the level at which the ground freezes, and all members of the clan sleep in the same chamber, possibly to share body heat[3].

Sometimes setts or parts of setts that are not being used by badgers are occupied by rabbits or foxes[4].

[edit] References

• Brock's World: The Home of the European Badger, Steve Jackson, 1999-2001.
• Wildlifeonline - Natural History of the European Badger.