Family: Mustelidae, Weasels view all from this family

Description Unique with short legs and black and white striped face. White stripe runs from nose to neck in most populations; stripe continues to base of tail in the southwestern animals. Long coarse fur is gray on the back and may be mixed with white, brown, buff, rust, or orange color. Young are pale buff-colored.

Dimensions 60-87cm, 10-15cm, 3.6-11.4kg; / 52-79cm, 10-15cm, 3.6-11.4kg

Warning The badger usually avoids human contact but is very capable of defending itself against a human if harassed.

Habitat Forests & woodlands, Grasslands & prairies, Meadows & fields, Scrub, shrub & brushlands

Range Plains, Great Lakes, Rocky Mountains, Southwest, Texas, California, Northwest, Western Canada

Discussion An efficient digger with very large claws, its presence can be detected by frequent diggings and den entrances. Secretive and solitary, but fiercely defensive when attacked. Sleeps through most of winter, but becomes active on warmer days. Hunts ground squirrels and other small and medium-sized prey. Lives in grasslands, deserts, and open marshy areas.