The American badger (Taxidea taxus) is a native species to Michigan, though encounters are not common. Badgers are present across the state. Their elusive nature and nocturnal habits mean they are not frequently observed.
Identifying Michigan Badgers
American badgers possess a distinctive appearance. They have a flat, broad body with short, powerful legs designed for digging. Their front feet feature long claws, which can measure up to 2 inches, and are partially webbed. The fur covering their bodies is typically a grizzled gray, brown, black, and white, often giving a mixed brown-tan appearance.
A prominent white stripe extends from their nose over their head, sometimes reaching their shoulders or neck. They also have black patches on their cheeks and around their ears. Badgers are medium-sized carnivores, with adults weighing between 9 to 26 pounds (4 to 12 kg). Males can reach up to 33 pounds (15 kg).
Where Michigan Badgers Live
Badgers can be found throughout the state, including the Lower Peninsula and occasionally in the Upper Peninsula. Their population is thinly spread. Badgers prefer open country and thrive in grasslands and meadows. Their habitat preference is linked to the availability of prey and soil suitable for digging burrows.
Ideal habitats include agricultural fields, pastures, and prairie remnants, as well as some suburban areas that maintain open spaces. Badgers favor sandy or loamy soils. Heavily wooded areas are less likely habitats, as they prefer environments with sparse tree cover.
Understanding Badger Behavior
American badgers are primarily solitary animals, except during the mating season, and are largely nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. This nocturnal and solitary nature contributes to their elusive reputation, as they spend much of their time underground in their burrows, known as setts. These burrows, which can be extensive networks of tunnels and chambers, provide shelter. Badgers are impressive diggers, using their powerful claws and strong muscles to excavate dens and hunt for food. They can dig themselves out of sight in seconds and may use many different dens across their home range.
Their diet consists of burrowing rodents such as ground squirrels, gophers, mice, and voles, which they unearth with their digging abilities. They also consume insects, birds, and bird eggs, and may eat carrion. Badgers are non-aggressive towards humans and prefer to avoid contact, but they can defend themselves if threatened or cornered. If an encounter occurs, it is advisable to observe them from a safe distance and never attempt to approach or handle them.