A Honey Badger Lives Up to Its Epic Reputation and Defeats 3 Powerful Leopards

Few animals could survive being attacked by three powerful leopards all at once. Yet, even with the leopards’ sharp teeth locked on its body, one incredible honey badger somehow fought the three cats off and survived the encounter! What is the secret to the honey badger’s dogged durability?

Are Honey Badgers Aggressive?

Also known as ratels, honey badgers (Mellivora capensis) seem to defy expectations. Native to Asia and Africa, their stocky bodies, powerful limbs, and strong claws make them surprisingly athletic. They may have a cute name, but don’t let that fool you — these fearless creatures raid hives for bee larvae and regularly hunt venomous snakes, such as cobras and adders. Honey badgers are omnivores and eat anything from melons and insects to small mammals and birds. Their strong jaws can even crack open tough tortoise shells.

Honey badgers have thick, loose skin that provides excellent defense and maneuverability, allowing them to twist and strike even if caught in the jaws of a predator. Related to skunks and ferrets, they also have a foul-smelling odor to deter predators. Although they prefer to avoid conflict, they are aggressive and will fight to the death against predators like hyenas, lions, and leopards.

Honey Badger vs. Leopard

Despite their smaller size (29 to 38 inches long and 13 to 20 pounds), honey badgers are incredibly tenacious. Built for defense, their loose, tough skin makes them difficult to hold, and they can twist around and retaliate.

In contrast, leopards grow 17 to 30 inches tall and weigh 30 to 150 pounds. Their powerful bodies and speed (35 to 40 mph vs. the badger’s 15 to 20 mph) give these cats a clear advantage.

However, even as the underdog in a fight against three leopards, the honey badger in this YouTube video refused to give up. Expertly twisting out of the grip of the leopards, the badger unleashes its aggressive defenses on the three big cats. The leopards each take turns trying to take down the badger, but it simply doesn’t give up and even attacks the leopards themselves. The intensity is too much for the leopards, and they ultimately decide it’s not worth the fight.