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Badger
could be an expansion of the root word "badge", probably
referring to the distinct markings on the head.
Who could resist
a face like this? Behind this placid expression is a sturdy, solitary,
no-nonsense mammal. The badger's tenacity and extraordinary digging
equipment enable it to make a living and to defend itself. This
member of the family Mustelidae is rarely seen, being most
nocturnal in nature.
Badgers weigh between 12 and 24 pounds and are
about 30 inches long.
There is a general belief that nothing of comparable
size can overcome a badger. Its ferocity, sharp teeth and strong
claws make it a formidable foe. The badger's thick hair and loose
skin make an armor too tough for other animals to penetrate. And
if worse comes to worst, the badger can run backwards as fast as
forward!
The badger uses its claws to dig. It digs to
hunt and to eat. Its success is dependent upon the ability to dig
FASTER than its prey. It also "digs in" to escape intruders
but if attacked, can easily defend itself.
The badger's grass-lined nest is in a chamber
two to five feet underground usually at the end of a tunnel up to
30 feet long. Two to five young are born in the spring. Their eyes
open within five weeks, and soon they join their mother on hunting
trips.
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