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The Badger is a name for several related species members of the weasel family. Most breeds are large, nocturnal, burrowing animals with heavy, broad, intimidating bodies.
BADGER CHARACTERISTICS
The badger is a mammal with short, strong legs and elongated, plantigrade heels. They have long, strong toes which have adapted to their burrowing nature over time, and are overly apparent upon examination. Badgers are most often heavily furred, have distinct markings and are known for their strength, speed and exceptional digging qualities. With perineal glands that emit a powerful odor, long claws and a speedy nature, the badger is more than capable of protecting itself from harm.
THE AMERICAN BADGER
The American badger or "Taxidea taxus," is about 2-feet long and weights anywhere from 12 to 24-pounds, though they appear much heavier. With short legs and a long 4-inch tail, the American badger has a flattened, low to the ground, waddling appearance. The badger's head is white, with black stripe on each side, and body fur is yellowy gray. The American badger has a distinct black face, with a stripe over its forehead and around each eye.
HABITS
American badgers are typically solitary animals that hide themselves away in large burrows called "sets." The badger digs into a dry slope in the woods to create his "set," and stays there during daylight hours. Badgers are also common in dessert and forest areas, and a few have ventured into the mountains.
Emerging at night to forage for food, the badger's diet consists of gophers, ground squirrels, rats and other burrowing rodents. Some badgers also eat lizards, birds, eggs and insects. Swift in speed, the badger is capable of pursuing ground squirrels and prairie dogs into their holes by means of quick, burrowing motions, and seldom loses the battle.
It is commonly thought that badgers hibernate during cold winter months, but that is not true. Badgers may sleep through several days of inclement weather, much like the skunk or bear, during which time they subside on fat stored in the body. They do not, however, experience any of the physiological changes characteristic of true hibernation.
The American badger is most often found in open grassy area and desert lands of west and central North America. From Alberta, Canada to Mexico, the American badger is a common sight.
BREEDING HABITS
The badger breeds in summer and early autumn. Males are polygamous and mate with more than one female. Implantation occurs between December and February, and the young are born between March and April. Litter sizes of the badger range from 1-5, with the young being born in an underground nest.
The young badger is blind at birth and lightly furred. Eyes open in 4 weeks, and weaning occurs at 8 weeks of age, when the young are considered half grown. Young badgers remain with their mothers until late fall, when the family scatters.
NATURAL ENEMIES
The American badger is a ferocious fighter, responsible for outmatching many pet dogs. Other than man and dogs, natural enemies of the badger include coyotes.
TODAY
Life for the American badger hasn't changed much over the years. They continue to exist in large numbers throughout North America. Pelts of the badger were once considered valuable fur, but today, do not command a high price. For this reason, very few badgers are trapped. However, badger hairs are commonly used in the manufacturing of shaving and other types of brushes. Badgers are said to be highly valued animals, due to their natural ability to keep down excessive populations of rodents.
The American badger is the state animal in Wisconsin.
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