Honey Badger vs Mongoose: 5 Key Differences

Written by August Croft
Updated: September 21, 2023
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Have you ever considered all of the differences between a honey badger vs mongoose? While both of these animals are unique in their ability to resist snake venom, this is almost where their similarities end. But what are all of the differences between honey badgers and mongooses, and how can you learn how to tell them apart?

In this article, we will address all of the similarities and differences between these two creatures, including their geographical locations and habitat preferences. We will also talk about their physical appearances as well as their behaviors, both with their own kind and with predators. Let’s get started and learn all about honey badgers and mongooses now! 

Comparing Honey Badger vs Mongoose

honey badger vs mongoose
The honey badger is far larger than the mongoose, both in size and weight.
Honey BadgerMongoose
Size10-35 pounds; 2-4 feet long1-10 pounds; 1-3 feet long
AppearanceCoarse black fur with white markings similar to a skunk; long body with short tail and snoutWeasel-like in appearance; typically brown or gray with stripes rarely. Long tail and stubby legs and snout
Lifespan7-10 years10-15 years
BehaviorNotoriously aggressive; typically solitary in behavior. Capable burrower, but often steals already made dens and holesVery social with their own kind and capable of digging complex burrows. Communicates primarily through scent glands
Habitat and LocationAfrica and Asia; prefers dry areas such as grasslands and forestsAfrica and Asia; hot and tropical areas, though it depends on the species 

Key Differences Between Honey Badger vs Mongoose

honey badger vs mongoose

Honey badgers are notoriously aggressive with just about any creature, while mongooses enjoy complicated social structures that keep them safe.

©Oscar David Toledo Marin/Shutterstock.com

There are many key differences between honey badgers and mongooses. The honey badger is far larger than the mongoose, both in size and weight. However, the lifespan of the mongoose is longer than the lifespan of the honey badger, at least in the wild. Honey badgers are notoriously aggressive with just about any creature, while mongooses enjoy complicated social structures that keep them safe.

Let’s discuss all of these differences and more! 

Honey Badger vs Mongoose: Size

honey badger vs mongoose

Honey badgers weigh anywhere from 10 to 35 pounds depending on age, while mongooses rarely weigh more than 10 pounds total.

©Erwin Niemand/Shutterstock.com

You can easily tell the difference between a honey badger and a mongoose based on their size. For example, honey badgers weigh anywhere from 10 to 35 pounds depending on age, while mongooses rarely weigh more than 10 pounds total. 

Ironically, honey badgers and mongooses are similar in their overall body lengths. For example, mongooses average anywhere from 1 to 3 feet long, well honey badgers average 2 to 4 feet long. The mongoose’s tail is what makes it as long as a honey badger, the honey badgers still outgrow mongooses by a few feet. 

Honey Badger vs Mongoose: Location and Habitat

Both mongooses and honey badgers live in Africa and Asia. They both enjoy dry and hot climates, though there are some differences depending on the species of mongoose that you are dealing with. For example, some mongooses enjoy swimming or climbing trees, while the majority of honey badgers prefer grasslands and terrestrial living. 

honey badger vs mongoose

Mongooses look similarly to weasels, while honey badgers look like overgrown skunks.

©steve bushman/Shutterstock.com

Honey Badger vs Mongoose: Appearance

There are many differences in the appearance of a honey badger versus the appearance of a mongoose. Mongooses look similarly to weasels, while honey badgers look like overgrown skunks. For example, honey badgers are covered in coarse black fur with white stripes, while mongooses have long and skinny bodies in brown or gray fur. 

Honey badgers have longer legs than mongooses do, though mongooses have longer tails than honey badgers do. Comparing these unique animals to skunks and weasels makes the most sense, and it may help you easily tell them apart upon first glance! 

Honey Badger vs Mongoose: Behavior

honey badger vs mongoose

Both of these creatures are very capable when it comes to digging holes and creating burrows, though honey badgers often steal the dens of other creatures while mongooses build their own.

©Braam Collins/Shutterstock.com

There are many different behavioral differences between honey badgers and mongooses. If you weren’t already aware, honey badgers are notorious for their aggression, while mongooses are regarded as relatively shy individuals. Mongooses are also cooperative and often have complicated social structures, while honey badgers remain solitary unless they are mating. 

Both of these creatures are very capable when it comes to digging holes and creating burrows, though honey badgers often steal the dens of other creatures while mongooses build their own. Mongooses also communicate primarily through scent glands, while honey badgers do not utilize this behavior for themselves. 

A similarity that these animals share is a natural resistance to venomous and poisonous animals. This has been studied by scientists for quite some time, especially considering the fact that both honey badgers and mongooses eat venomous snakes regularly. It’s an impressive trait that both of them share, likely gained through years of evolution! 

Honey Badger vs Mongoose: Lifespan

honey badger vs mongoose

Mongooses live an average of 10 to 15 years in the wild, while honey badgers live an average of 7 to 10 years in the wild.

©Cassidy Te/Shutterstock.com

A final difference between honey badgers and mongooses is their lifespan. While both of these creatures live longer lives in captivity versus in the wild, mongooses live longer overall compared to the lifespan of the average honey badger. Let’s discuss this in more detail now. 

Mongooses live an average of 10 to 15 years in the wild, while honey badgers live an average of 7 to 10 years in the wild. However, some honey badgers live over 20 years in captivity, while mongooses tend to live closer to 10 to 15 years no matter their environment. Why might this be? 

This is likely due to the fact that mongooses have some variety of protection when living in a group of other mongooses, while honey badgers live solitary lives in general. However, honey badgers are very difficult to harm or kill, so it is surprising to realize how short their lifespans truly are.

Are Honey Badgers Feared?

This jackal is not the only one who has run for his life from a ferocious honey badger!

©Dirk Theron/Shutterstock.com

Honey badgers are animals that are feared by both men and wild animals who have encountered them in Africa. However, the fear men have may come more from how dangerous they know them to be rather than actual attacks on humans–there isn’t much clear data on whether or not honey badgers have attacked humans, except for one case where a rabid honey badger allegedly attacked several women.

Safari guides often make jokes about how scary these ferocious animals are. While it’s rare to come across them in the wild, they are very aggressive animals. They’ve reportedly even castrated larger prey in scuffles–an indicator that honey badgers are not shy about attacking “below the belt.”

Their skin is so tough that it resists bites, scratches, and (some say) gunshots. They are even resistant to snake venom either lacking a reaction at all or collapsing for a short time before seemingly “rising from the dead” to resume combat. They also have very strong jaws and sharp teeth, consuming not only the meat of their kill but also the bones.

These are just a few reasons why men shake in their boots at the thought of encountering a fierce and feisty honey badger!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © dwi putra stock/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

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