Ratel (Mellivora), a genus of quadrupeds of the Bear family (Arctoidea), nearly allied to the Gluttons (q.v.), from which it differs in having one false molar less in each jaw and the upper tubercular teeth slightly developed. The general aspect is similar to that of the badgers, but heavier and more clumsy. Three species are known, which inhabit Africa and India; one species, the Cape Ratel (M. ratel or capensis), inhabits the south of
Africa, and is said to feed much on bees and their honey, its thick fur protecting it against their stings; the other inhabits the north of India, prowls about by night, is a voracious devourer of animal food, and often scratches up recently interred bodies from their graves. The Cape ratel is about the size of a badger, gray above, black below. It is easily tamed, and is amusingly active in confinement, continually running about its cage, and tumbling strange somersaults to attract the attention of spectators, from which it seems to derive great pleasure.