Description

North American Badgers () flattened, oval shaped heads, abundant grizzled brownish fur, distinctive white strip on the forehead (sometimes continuing down the back) and powerful build Badgers are the "bulldozer" of the weasel family. Large front claws suggest a capable burrower. Their faces are black with pale marks. Badgers have black feet and pale bellies. They range from 28 to 32 inches long, with a 4-6 inch long tail. Weights range from 11-22 pounds.

Habitat

Badgers live in open country.grasslands, on sandy or loamy soils on the eastern plains or in shrub country in the mountain parks or western valleys. Occasionally badgers live above timberline. They burrow tunnels that are 10 inches across and 4-6 inches high.

Diet

Badgers eat mostly burrowing rodents, suchas ground squirrels and pocket gophers, which they dig up during evening or early morning. They also eat nestling birds and rabbits, as well as insects. When frozen ground protects burrowing rodents from attack, badgers turn to mice. In especially cold weather they may simply retreat to their burrow to sleep.

Reproduction

Badgers mate in late summer. Embryo implantation is delayed until February. One to four young are born in early spring. They grow quickly and leave their mothers during their first autumn.

Badgers' burrows create a hazard to livestock and horseback riders. Badgers digging can also damage crop fields and machinery. Badgers will occasionally prey on livestock or poultry, gaining access by digging under fences or through the floor of a poultry house.

Controlling the nearby rodent population may make the habitat less suitable for a badger. Having a light in the yard may also deter a badger from invading, because they do not like bright lights.