Description
With courage disproportionate to their size, badgers are widely recognized for standing toe-to-toe with beasts as large as grizzly bears. Though badgers prefer to keep away from humans, an abundance of preferred food sources on human-occupied land can draw in these carnivores. Pet owners who live in areas with populations of badgers should act immediately to either remove the creatures or guard pets from possible encounters, as badgers can inflict serious injury to domestic animals when threatened.
Appearance
Short and stocky, badgers move around on four stout and powerful legs. They have claws that reach about 2 inches (5 cm) in length, which facilitate the creature's digging habits. On average, badgers weigh around 26 pounds (12 kg) and grow as long as 25 inches (63.5 cm). The fur covering their bodies is usually a mix of white, black, and brown, while their heads feature interesting patterns of black and white.
Habitat
Badgers are found in many regions across the world, except in areas like the Arctic and South America. The American badger lives throughout northern and central Mexico, western and central United States, and much of southern Canada. A mostly nocturnal animal, badgers remain in their underground burrows until nightfall, when they surface to look for food. Burrow openings are elliptical in shape and measure around 8 inches (20 cm) wide.
Entry
Are badgers known to enter homes or yards?
Usually, badger sightings occur outdoors. However, rare circumstances do lead the pests into homes. Primary badger food sources include small rodents like ground squirrels and mice. Badgers will gather wherever there is an abundance of these creatures. As such, habitats like prairies and farmlands are preferred hangouts.
Damage
Do badgers harm people or property?
With courage disproportionate to their size, badgers are widely recognized for standing toe-to-toe with beasts as large as grizzly bears. Though badgers prefer to keep away from humans, an abundance of preferred food sources on human-occupied land can draw in these carnivores. Pet owners who live in areas with populations of badgers should act immediately to either remove the creatures or guard pets from possible encounters, as badgers can inflict serious injury to domestic animals when threatened.
Appearance
Short and stocky, badgers move around on four stout and powerful legs. They have claws that reach about 2 inches (5 cm) in length, which facilitate the creature's digging habits. On average, badgers weigh around 26 pounds (12 kg) and grow as long as 25 inches (63.5 cm). The fur covering their bodies is usually a mix of white, black, and brown, while their heads feature interesting patterns of black and white.
Habitat
Badgers are found in many regions across the world, except in areas like the Arctic and South America. The American badger lives throughout northern and central Mexico, western and central United States, and much of southern Canada. A mostly nocturnal animal, badgers remain in their underground burrows until nightfall, when they surface to look for food. Burrow openings are elliptical in shape and measure around 8 inches (20 cm) wide.
Entry
Are badgers known to enter homes or yards?
Usually, badger sightings occur outdoors. However, rare circumstances do lead the pests into homes. Primary badger food sources include small rodents like ground squirrels and mice. Badgers will gather wherever there is an abundance of these creatures. As such, habitats like prairies and farmlands are preferred hangouts.
Damage
Do badgers harm people or property?
Since they are excellent diggers, badgers inflict significant damages on landscapes. Driveways, building structures, golf courses and plants are regular victims of badger excavating behaviors. Farmland regularly draws badger activities, and farmers experience costly damage to crops, irrigation systems, and mechanical equipment. The holes left behind by their burrowing endanger livestock, like horses, who can fall and break bones. They have also been reported to prey on both fowl and their eggs. When cornered, badgers are famous for ferociously fending off attackers and can easily subdue dogs twice their size.
Control and Safety
Exclusion methods can be expensive, as the critters are extremely capable diggers. Fencing off areas requires extra materials that feed into and over the ground. Limiting available food can keep badgers away, though badger diets are diverse, which complicates the process.
Trapping and Removal
The problem with amateur trapping attempts is that they put both the trapper and pest critter in danger. Badgers are aggressive and will do everything in their power to scare off potential predators. Professional removal is the only way to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. Critter Control technicians effectively capture offending badgers and construct plans to prevent future problems.
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