Also like the skunk, ratels are able to emit a foul-smelling liquid to keep them safe from harm. The thick, loose quality of the ratel's coat and skin helps to keep the ratel out of harm's way in the wild. The ratel's skin is unusually tough and attached so loosely to the body, other animals aren't able to penetrate it or grab on to it. This quality guards against snake bites, insect stings, and porcupine quills, making ratels one of the few mammals of the world to have no natural enemies. They are strong burrowers and climbers, relying on both skills to catch prey and survive in their natural environment.
Ratels travel singly or in pairs.
Though not many true field studies have been completed on the ratel badger, evidence suggests that they form monogamous pairs for mating purposes, and produce a litter of two cubs, 6-7 months after mating. Young ratels are born in burrows lined with leaves or grass, and stay with the mother until they are old enough to fend for themselves. Ratels are strong, fearless fighters. They have been known to attack much larger animals, like horses, cattle, buffalo and antelope. In captivity, however, ratels are easily trained and transformed into tame and playful animals.