Animal Facts

The noticable dorsal stripe drawn from nose to head is the most distinct feature of the American Badger. The dorsal stripe is usually a line of white fur against a brown or black coat that covers the rest of a Badger's stocky, flat body. Besides the famous stripe, an American Badger also displays a sharply contrasting pattern of facial markings along either side of its head. Badgers also possess sharp, strong claws that are used for both predatory hunting and digging burrows.

Despite the first impression of a Badger's adorable face, they are actually fierce predators, feasting upon a diet of mostly small rodents, birds, and reptiles. A Badger's burrow serves a variety of a Badger's daily needs, including sleep, storage, and protection. American Badger burrows can be found across the Western half of the United States, most commonly in open, flat areas. Upon threat from predators, Badgers may hide inside their burrows to escape, and sometimes release an undesirable smell to ward predators off. When directly attacked, a Badger's thick fur acts as shielding from the predator's jaws, allowing the Badger to escape or defend itself before the predator is able to inflict much damage. So beware; Badgers may be perceived as cute and cuddly, but they're much more ferocious than they appear!