One of the planet’s most remarkable creatures — the honey badger — can be found in Turkmenistan. It was recognized by the Guinness World Records (1998–2003 editions) as the most fearless mammal in the world.

Locally known as it-ayi (literally "dog-bear"), the honey badger resembles a small bear, but it belongs to the weasel family. It’s a compact, muscular animal with short, strong legs and powerful claws — well-suited for digging and even climbing trees.

Despite its modest size, the honey badger has earned a reputation for extreme courage and aggressiveness, often confronting animals much larger and more dangerous than itself.

In summer, it is mostly nocturnal, while in other seasons it may be active at dusk — and sometimes even during the day in winter. While searching for food, it can cover up to 10–15 kilometers. Its diet includes rodents, hedgehogs, birds and their eggs, snakes (even venomous ones), amphibians, insects, scorpions, as well as fruits, berries, roots, and tubers. Its love for honey is what gave it the name “honey badger.”

In Turkmenistan, the honey badger is listed in the national Red Book as a rare and endangered species. Hunting is prohibited, and the animal is protected in state nature reserves.