MAMMALS

Badger, Taxidea taxus

Family Mustelidae (Mustelids)

Size/Weight: approx. 24" long with tail; approx. 20 lbs.

Range: Western and midwestern United States

Habitat: Grasslands, desert

The badger is a compact, tough mustelid with a short tail and very long claws, especially on the front feet. It is densely furred and colored pale gray-brown with a white or buff belly and black feet. It has a white stripe through the forehead and over the head, and a white and black patterned face. Badgers are solitary and nocturnal, though are often visible during early morning hours. They use their strong, clawed feet to excavate rodent burrows for the prey therein, and will also eat reptiles and birds. In cold climates they hibernate in underground burrows.

Track size (front): 2" wide x 3" long

Track size (rear): 1¾" wide x 2" long (not including heel)

Description of Track: The front foot is noticeably larger than the rear. There are five toes on each foot, although the smaller inner toes do not always register. The claws are long, heavy, and prominent in the track. The metacarpal pads are fused in a loose arc shape, with an additional proximal pad in the front foot and a faint heel impression on the rear. The sole is not furry as in most other mustelids.