The badger The badger Badgers are bear like animals with stocky 3 foot long bodies, short tails and short, powerful legs that are armed with sharp claws. One of the most elusive mammals, the badger is nocturnal and so wary that it is rarely seen by man. They are carnivorous animals in the Mustelidae family with the otter, stoat and weasel. The American badger is widespread from southwestern Canada to central Mexico.
Badgers walk on the soles of their feet much like bears, showing five toes in their footprints.
Even though they appear to have a coat that is gray, the hairs on this animal are actually black and white. The underside is black and a badger's head is white with two wide stripes running from behind the ears to the muzzle. Although many nocturnal animals are thought to be active during the day, the badger will emerge from his setts about one hour after sunset in the autumn and winter, even earlier in the summer months. Upon emerging if he becomes aware of a suspicious sound or scent, he will return to his setts for the night. In many cases they will not leave their shelter at all on bright moonlit nights.