Why honey badger is so daring and ferocious?

The Mellivora capensis, commonly known as the honey badger or ratel, is a mammal found extensively across Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. Its habitat diversity and wide distribution have led to its classification as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The honey badger, the sole living species in the Mellivora genus and Mellivorinae subfamily of mustelids, differs notably from other badger species and shares more characteristics with weasels. Predominantly carnivorous, this species faces few natural predators owing to its strong defense mechanism, thickness of skin, and power. Honey badgers are the largest terrestrial mustelids in Africa, with males weighing between 9 to 16 kg (20 to 35 lb) and females weighing between 5 to 10 kg (11 to 22 lb) on average. They can measure up to 28 cm (11.0 in) in shoulder height and 77 cm (30 in) in body length, with an additional 12-30 cm (4.7-11.8 in) of tail length. Studies show that this species can weigh anywhere between 6.4 to 12 kg (14 to 26 lb), with an average weight of around 9 kg (20 lb). The honey badger ranks as the third largest known badger and fourth largest terrestrial mustelid, following the European badger, hog badger, and wolverine. However, some honey badgers found in Iraq have weighed up to 18 kg (40 lb), which is comparable to male European badgers and wolverines in late autumn. Conversely, honey badgers in India were relatively smaller, with an adult female and two males weighing 6.4 kg (14 lb) and a median of 8.4 kg (19 lb). Male honey badgers have a skull length of 13.9–14.5 cm (5.5–5.7 in), while females have a skull length of 13 cm (5.1 in).

The Guinness Book of World Records has declared the Honey Badger as the most fearless creature on earth. This animal has several reasons to be fearless. For starters, their skin is very thick and rubbery. The skin is so strong that arrows and spears can hardly penetrate it. In addition, the Honey Badger's skin can withstand a sharp machete cut without cutting all the way through. This skin protects the animal from predators' teeth, and it's loose, which allows the Honey Badger to move freely within it. This freedom of movement is helpful when the Honey Badger is attacked by larger predators and is caught in their clutches. The animal can squirm within its skin to get its sharp claws and teeth in a position to harm the predator holding it. The Honey Badger's powerful jaws and sharp teeth enable it to eat every part of its prey, including the bones. They can even consume a turtle, shell included. Furthermore, the Honey Badger is naturally resistant to many types of stings and venom. It can endure multiple bites from King Cobras and Puff Adders with little effect. However, if a Puff Adder manages to penetrate the Honey Badger's skin, the animal will eventually be knocked out for a couple of hours.

The exact method by which the Honey Badger resists venom is unknown, but it is believed that if a snake were to strike it enough, the venom would eventually prove fatal. In addition to its natural toughness, the Honey Badger is highly intelligent and has even been seen using tools to hunt. These clever creatures can follow Honeyguide birds to locate beehives, where they feast on honey and larvae. The Honey Badger's unique defense mechanisms include a reversible anal pouch that emits a powerful odor, which it uses to repel predators like lions. With such formidable offensive and defensive capabilities, the Honey Badger appears to fear few things. Its aggressive nature means that few predators attempt to attack it, even those that might normally prey on an animal of its size, like lions and leopards. However, despite their impressive skills, Honey Badgers have been known to fall victim to lions and leopards on occasion.