The American Badger (Taxidea taxus) is a native mammal found across Oregon’s diverse landscapes. While these animals are widespread, they are often elusive and infrequently seen by most residents. Badgers are a natural part of the state’s fauna, but their presence is not uniform, being heavily influenced by specific environmental factors.
Specific Range and Distribution
The distribution of the American Badger is determined by geography, with the Cascade Mountains acting as a significant barrier. Badgers are almost exclusively confined to the eastern two-thirds of the state, encompassing the drier, open landscapes of the high desert, arid grasslands, and shrub-steppe ecosystems.
The highest concentrations are found in southeastern and central Oregon counties, including Malheur, Harney, and Baker, which provide the expansive, treeless environment the species prefers. Sightings west of the Cascade crest, in the wetter, heavily forested Willamette Valley or coastal regions, are exceptionally rare and outside the established range. The species also occurs in the eastern parts of Jackson County.
Identifying Features of the American Badger
The American Badger is a medium-sized carnivore with a flattened, wide body supported by short, stout legs, built for digging. The animal’s most recognizable feature is its head, which displays a triangular face with a prominent black and white pattern.
A characteristic white stripe runs from the badger’s nose over the top of its head, sometimes extending down the back. The forefeet are equipped with extremely long, curved claws, which can measure up to two inches. Adult badgers measure between 23 and 30 inches in length and weigh between 14 and 30 pounds, with males being larger than females.
Habitat Preference and Legal Status
Badgers require specific environmental conditions, primarily favoring open areas with low vegetation cover. They seek out rangelands, pastures, and shrub-steppe habitats where the soil is friable, meaning it is loose and easily dug. This preference is directly linked to their diet, which consists mainly of fossorial, or burrowing, rodents like ground squirrels and pocket gophers.
The badger’s constant digging in pursuit of prey creates burrows that are often used for shelter by other species. A single badger may dig a new hunting burrow daily, and a permanent den can be up to 10 feet deep with 33 feet of tunnels.
This species is classified as an “Unprotected Mammal” under Oregon state statutes, meaning it can be trapped or killed year-round without restriction or a closed season. Conservationists note that a lack of population data makes the status of the species sensitive, highlighting the importance of protecting their specialized open-country habitat.