Badger
Last Update/Review: June 3, 2002
Taxidea taxus
The
badger is one of our most beneficial carnivores. Its thick, stocky
body, flat head and heavily clawed feet aid in digging out the mice,
ground squirrels and pocket gophers that make up its diet. The distinctive
facial markings, short tail and general squat appearance of this large
weasel (75 centimetres long and weighing 7 kilograms) make it easily
identifiable.
The badger was once common throughout the parkland and prairie regions south of the North Saskatchewan River, but its current distribution has been much reduced.
This weasel, although able to defend itself against most potential enemies, usually avoids danger by retreating underground. Since most of the badger's prey hibernate during the winter beneath the frozen ground, badgers also spend this season in their dens. Mating is believed to occur in August to September and two to five young are born in early April.
Trapping
The badger is not a major target species in Alberta's wild fur production. In 2000-2001, Alberta trappers produced 170 badger pelts at a mean price of $25.84, or a total production for the province of $4 392.80.
Badgers are trapped from early December to mid-April, except in the far north of the province. Badger pelts are in their prime from late December to early March.
