Badgers are most often heavily furred, have distinct markings and are known for their strength, speed and exceptional digging qualities. With perineal glands that emit a powerful odor, long claws and a speedy nature, the badger is more than capable of protecting itself from harm. With short legs and a long 4-inch tail, the American badger has a flattened, low to the ground, waddling appearance. The badger's head is white, with black stripe on each side, and body fur is yellowy gray. The American badger has a distinct black face, with a stripe over its forehead and around each eye.
Badgers are also common in dessert and forest areas, and a few have ventured into the mountains.
Emerging at night to forage for food, the badger's diet consists of gophers, ground squirrels, rats and other burrowing rodents. Some badgers also eat lizards, birds, eggs and insects. Swift in speed, the badger is capable of pursuing ground squirrels and prairie dogs into their holes by means of quick, burrowing motions, and seldom loses the battle. It is commonly thought that badgers hibernate during cold winter months, but that is not true. Badgers may sleep through several days of inclement weather, much like the skunk or bear, during which time they subside on fat stored in the body.