American Badgers - Pictures

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American Badgers - Lifestyle

American Badgers are interesting animals whose lifestyle is not yet completely explored. They are called a mysterious species sometimes since it is particularly hard to meet them in the wild. Nocturnal way of life and constant migrations in search of a better habitat full of prey, plus limited numbers of American Badgers in some areas do not allow us to fully examine their habits. Yet, the data available opens up the world of the American Badger a bit and acquaint humans with this specific species.

American Badger's ability to dig burrows, hunting fossorial mammals and creating a new home is unique. Badgers are known to travel long distances and dig a new burrow every day. In fact, this work does not bother them at all. Long claws move soil under the stomach, while hind legs throw it away. Generally, a Badger burrow has one entrance at which dirt is gathered in mounds. It is of elliptical shape reaching in height from 8 to 12 inches and being 12-18 inches wide.

As a matter of fact, digging a burrow is rather rewarding for the American Badger. Dens serve as a sleeping place, a place for food storage, and a shelter in the case of danger. Since the American Badgers is a poor runner, the least it can do to let a predator know it is not going to give up without a fight is to show its teeth. American Badgers move back into their burrow demonstrating the teeth and producing threatening sounds. Besides vocalization, Badgers make use of their facial markings peculiar to skunks as the means of defense.

In fact, American Badgers have few natural enemies. Man is thought the most dangerous of all. The species is also a good prey for Golden Eagles and Coyotes. The last turn out to be partners sometimes. Evidence shows that American Badgers and Coyotes form a sort of mutualism. They are often seen hunting together pursuing one and the same animal. A Coyote stands by when a Badger corners a prey and may capture it once it escapes the Badger. At the same time, a Badger gets the prey that a Coyote chases into a Badger burrow. Another means employed by Badgers during hunting session is hiding in the prey's den and waiting for the animal to return.

It is interesting to know that American Badgers do not hibernate contrary to a conventional opinion. Shortage of food is compensated by reduced heat loss due to long lasting burrow stay. Mild torpor, a state peculiar to American Badgers, is characterized by a slower heartbeat and lower temperature in comparison to the time of normal activity. Yet, this condition is not a true hibernation since it is not accompanied by physical changes essential for the phenomenon. Many American Badgers can be seen on mild winter days, which also contradict the concept of hibernation.

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