North American Badger
Source:USFWS/Tupper
Ansel Blake
Scientific Name: Taxidea taxus
Family: Mustelidae (Weasel Family)
Size: The body of an American badger is approximately 28 inches in length. Adults weigh between 12 and 24 pounds.
Description: The American badger has a shaggy coat with silver to grey coloration. The head is darker in color and has a white stripe that may extend down the back. This badger has powerful, short legs and long claws. The bushy tail is relatively short and may have yellow coloring. The legs are black.
Diet: The American badger feeds on small mammals including ground squirrels, gophers, rats, mice, and chipmunks. The badger may also eat birds, eggs, reptiles, and invertebrates (such as insects and earthworms).
Habitat: The American badger lives in open grassland habitats, shrubby areas, and forests. They require dry, loose soils for burrowing and shelter. In GGNRA, badgers are not frequently encountered. They may inhabit Olema Valley, Tennessee Valley, Bolinas Ridge, and parts of the Marin Headlands.
Status: The North American badger is not currently a special status species.
Interesting Information: The North American badger has been somewhat tolerant to human activities and has adapted well to changing environments.
References:
California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System. California Department of Fish and Game.
National Audubon Society. 1998. Field Guide to California. Peter Alden et al. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.
