The American Badger is stocky and low-slung with short, powerful legs and huge foreclaws. They measure from about 23 to nearly 30 inches long, with the males being significantly larger than the females. Except for the head, it is covered with a silvery coat of coarse fur. The badger’s triangular face is marked with distinctive black and white patterns, and a white stripe extending from its nose to the back of the head.

Solitary animals for much of the year, badgers are more active at night. They become less active in winter, but do not hibernate.

American badgers have somewhat of a cooperative relationships with coyotes. Not very capable at digging, coyotes instead chase animals above ground, while badgers, not being fast runners, are better at burrowing them out. Together, they leave any area prey little chase to escape.

What they eat: Ground squirrels, mice and other small mammals. They also eat snakes, birds and insects.

Where they live: Western and central U.S., northern Mexico, central Canada and southwestern British Columbia.

Claim to fame: Brown or blackish “badges” on their cheeks, leading to the name, badger.

Source: Wikipedia