Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Badger

Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Badger

The American badger (Taxidea taxus) is a Species of Special Concern in California. Badgers are widely distributed in the state but may be uncommon in areas where they historically occurred. They are nocturnal and solitary, although family groups are sometimes seen. Badgers have a short stocky body up to 2.5 feet long, and a small head with a white stripe from its nose to the back of the head. They have powerful claws and are excellent diggers to dig dens and hunt for prey.

Badgers provide many ecosystem benefits by controlling rodent populations, including ground squirrels and pocket gophers. They are carnivores and will also eat live lizards, birds, worms, grubs, and dead animals.

• American Badger Life History (PDF)
• American Badger Range Map (PDF)

Badgers may be at risk due to indiscriminate trapping, poisoning, and widespread habitat loss, but CDFW will continue to monitor the state's population.

• Badger Sighting Report - CDFW is interested in hearing about your badger sightings.

Prevent Potential Conflicts

Badgers may cause concern due to agricultural and property damage, and injury or loss of small (young) livestock or pets.

• Badger Damage Prevention and Control Methods (PDF) (USDA)

• American Badger - Wild Aware Utah (PDF)

• Urban Wildlife Factsheet: Badgers (PDF)

• Space for Badgers (PDF) (Badger Trust UK)

• Badger Damage Identification (Center for Wildlife Damage Management)