So what makes the honey badger so tough? They have speed,stamina,and agility,but so do many animals. They aren't stronger than lions, so how so they stop them? The thing that sets the honey badger apart is their skin. Their skin is thick and tough. Arrows,spears, and bites from other animals can rarely pierce it. Small bullets can't even penetrate it. Not only is their skin thick and tough, it is also loose. This allows them to twist and turn to attack while another animal is gripping them. The only safe grip one can get on a honey badger is on the back of their necks.