American Badger Taxidea taxus

Identification
This stocky mammal has a flattened body and a distinctive facial pattern. It is adapted for digging.

Location
Rare in Ohio

Size
10 to 25 pounds

Diet
It feeds on ground squirrels rodents and insects.

Habitat
It occurs in open fields and prairies.

Activity Period
Year round

Behavior
It is solitary and excavates large burrows while hunting. It is active year round.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in summer with delayed implantation.

Population
The population is small and localized.

History
It was historically rare but persists in western Ohio.

Human Interactions
It avoids humans and is seldom seen.

Facts
It is one of the most powerful diggers among mammals.

Sources
ODNR academic sources

Ground squirrels rodents insects | Prairies fields open areas | Western Ohio