They use their claws and teeth as weapons and are protected by their thick fur and tough skin. American badgers live in a variety of habitats, from grasslands to mountains. They usually are most active during the night and feed chiefly on ground squirrels and prairie dogs. They also eat burrowing rodents, rabbits, lizards, birds, and insects. American badgers live alone.
Males mate with females in the late summer.
The female gives birth to one to five young the following spring. The mother takes care of the young by herself. Young badgers may stay with their mother for several months. During the winter, badgers may spend the coldest weather sleeping in their burrows. Scientists do not regard the badger's winter sleep as true hibernation.