The characteristics and density of Eurasian badger Meles meles setts and the factors affecting sett-site choice were studied from February 1999 to January 2000 in the River Po Park (Piedmont region, NW Italy). Badger setts were a complex of underground tunnels with, on average, 6.4 entrances. In hilly habitat badger sett density was higher than in lowlands (1.32 vs. 0.21 setts/km2) as well as the mean number of entrances per sett (11.5 vs. 3.5). These data were similar to those recorded in many other European areas with low badger population density. In our study area, badgers clearly selected tree-cover (woods and shrubs), also tolerating human disturbance. In a widespread plain area, where the original forest vegetation has been dramatically reduced, sett sites were concentrated in residual wood belts along the slopes of alluvial terraces or in scrubs growing on artificial embankments. This study confirms the badger as a highly adaptable species that can exploit different habitats. Nevertheless badger populations living in predominantly agricultural lands depend on habitats offering sufficient cover for their breeding sett location. The improvement of natural vegetation cover is essential for the future conservation of badger populations in Po plain landscapes.