American badgers (Taxidea taxus) are native to and widely distributed across Colorado. These adaptable mammals inhabit various regions throughout the state, from the eastern plains to mountainous areas. Though reclusive, their presence is a natural part of Colorado’s diverse wildlife.
Meet Colorado’s Badgers
American badgers have a distinct appearance, with flattened, robust bodies and short, powerful legs. They typically measure 23.6 to 30 inches in length, with a 4 to 6-inch tail. Their weight ranges from 9 to 26.5 pounds, with males generally larger than females.
Their fur is a grizzled mix of brown, black, and white, aiding camouflage in grassland environments. A prominent white stripe extends from their nose over their head, sometimes reaching their back, and they have distinctive black cheek patches. American badgers are part of the Mustelidae family, which includes weasels, otters, and ferrets. Their front feet are larger than their rear feet, equipped with long, curved claws specialized for digging.
Their World and Ways
American badgers primarily inhabit open country, including grasslands, prairies, and semi-arid regions. In Colorado, they are common in grass-forb and ponderosa pine habitats and can be found at elevations up to 12,000 feet. They prefer areas with friable soil, which allows for easier digging, and a plentiful supply of burrowing prey.
Their diet consists of burrowing rodents such as ground squirrels, prairie dogs, pocket gophers, and voles. Badgers are skilled hunters, using their powerful forelimbs and long claws to rapidly excavate prey burrows. They also consume insects, snakes, ground-nesting birds, and carrion.
Badgers are largely nocturnal and solitary, spending daylight hours resting in underground burrows. While they do not truly hibernate, they can enter periods of torpor during winter, reducing activity and emerging on warmer days. Their extensive burrow systems, up to 10 feet deep with 33 feet of tunnels, serve as shelter and hunting grounds. They frequently create new burrows, sometimes digging a fresh one daily.
Sharing Space with Badgers
Badgers are generally reclusive and prefer to avoid human contact. They are not typically aggressive toward humans unless threatened, cornered, or perceiving a danger to their young. If provoked, they may hiss, growl, and posture as a warning. In rare instances, they can defend themselves with their sharp claws and teeth.
If you encounter a badger, remain calm and give the animal ample space. Slowly backing away and avoiding sudden movements or loud noises prevents startling them. Keeping pets leashed is also advisable, as dogs might unintentionally provoke a defensive reaction.
Badgers play a role in their ecosystems by controlling rodent populations. Their extensive digging activities also contribute to soil aeration and create burrows that other species, such as burrowing owls, rabbits, and snakes, can utilize for shelter. They contribute to the health and structure of their habitats.