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Mammal. American badgers are built to dig. They move dirt faster than any other mammal, including a person with a shovel! Strong shoulders, sturdy claws, and partial webbing between their front toes allow them to scoop soil out quickly. They are naturally protected from flying dirt by transparent membranes that protect their eyes and stiff hairs that keep their ear canals clean. They use their back feet to kick the loose dirt out of the way. Badgers dig in pursuit of prey and then expand tunnels into sleeping burrows. They are solitary, have a keen sense of smell, and are more active at night than in the day. |
| Scientific
Name |
Lifespan |
| Taxidea taxus |
11-13 years |
| Diet |
| Carnivore. Mice, woodchucks, voles, ground squirrels, toads, snakes and other small animals they can dig for. |
| Predators and
Threats |
| Dogs, coyotes, eagles, and humans. |
| Habitat |
| American badgers prefer dry, open country, avoiding forests and areas with rocky soil. Primarily found in the great plains of North America. |
