American Badger
ExploreMammals
American Badger
Taxidea taxus
The American Badger is a sturdy animal with a flat body and short legs. They dig deep burrows in the ground and are known for their strong claws and playful nature.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The American Badger has a flat, wide body with grizzled grayish-brown fur. It features a distinctive white stripe from its nose to its shoulder, black patches on its cheeks, and small rounded ears, making its face very recognizable.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyMustelidaeGenusTaxidea
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A group of badgers is sometimes called a 'cete' or a 'colony'.
An American Badger can dig itself underground and out of sight in minutes!
Badgers have a clear third eyelid for protecting their eyes while digging.
Its scientific name, Taxidea taxus, literally means 'badger badger'!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Digger
American Badger can dig incredibly fast because of its powerful claws and shovel-like front paws that help them quickly burrow.
Ability
Clever Hunter
American Badger has a unique hunting strategy that helps them team up with coyotes to catch hidden prey.
Ability
Earth Mover
American Badger can create complex underground burrows that help them find shelter, raise young, and store food.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 42-72 cm
- Weight
- 4-12 kg
- Lifespan
- 4-6 years
- Top Speed
- 30 km/h
- Litter Size
- 1-5
- Gestation
- 42-49 days
Diet & Feeding
Hungry hunters that dig for small critters like rodents, snakes, and insects.
Primary Foods
- ground squirrels
- gophers
- prairie dogs
- mice
- snakes
- insects
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
symbiotic with
Coyote
Canis latrans
cooperates to hunt rodents more effectively
hunts
Black-tailed Prairie Dog
Cynomys ludovicianus
digs into their burrows to catch them
hunts
Botta's Pocket Gopher
Thomomys bottae
a key food source in their habitat
eaten by
Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
can prey on young or smaller badgers
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
American Badgers
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
If you see a badger in the wild, it's best to watch from a distance and not approach it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is American Badger?
42-72 cm
How much does American Badger weigh?
4-12 kg
How long does American Badger live?
4-6 years
How fast can American Badger move?
30 km/h
What does American Badger eat?
Hungry hunters that dig for small critters like rodents, snakes, and insects.
Where is American Badger usually found?
Grasslands
How does American Badger hunt?
Ambush
How many babies does American Badger usually have?
1-5
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park14 sightings3 species
New Mexico, US
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
You might spot Creosote Bush, Devilshead, and Lace-Spine Nipple Cactus.
View guide →
Park6 sightings3 species
Manitoba, CA
Spruce Woods Provincial Park
You might spot Prairie Skink, Smooth Greensnake, and Admiral Butterfly.
View guide →
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