American Badger

Taxidea taxus

Badgers are found primarily in the Great Plains regions of North America: north through central western Canada throughout the western United States, and south through the mountain areas of Mexico. In these areas, badgers are known for digging multiple large dens in the ground up to 10 feet deep thanks to their long and strong claws. In addition to long claws, they have a more flattened body and short, stocky legs with iconic coloring. Their fur is a whitish grey that may also appear reddish, with black face patterns and black paws. They are a part of the Mustelid family which also includes otters, minks, wolverines, ferrets (which we also have at the zoo), and other weasels. Mustelids are known for being a diverse group of carnivore mammals and can be very intense for their size.   

Click HERE for a Badger Activity Sheet!

Our Current Resident

Uki, Female - Born May 1, 2018

Uki was found as a young cub with her mother, who had already passed. Orphaned, she was brought to the Wildlife Center of Montana in Helena, Montana, where she was raised. Due to a lack of space, she was donated to ZooMontana in July 2019.  

Uki will not be visible to the public from late fall to mid spring. During this time, American badgers will typically burrow deep and enter into a state of torpor, much like bears. To ensure her safety during this time, our Caretaker Team brings her indoors for the season.  

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Carnivora
  • Family: Mustelidae
  • Genus: Taxidea
  • Species: Taxidea taxus

Animal Facts

Carnivore: mainly meat including squirrels, rats, mice, and gophers 

Population Status (according to IUCN): currently listed as Least Concern 

Montana Population Status (according to Montana Field Guide): currently listed as Apparently Secure 

Habitat: dry, open grassland, fields, and pastures at all different altitudes  

Activity: nocturnal- mostly active during the night 


Our Animals