Don’t Judge A Book By It’s Cover

American badgers are solitary, secretive creatures that spend much of their lives underground. Their long, sharp claws are made for digging. Badgers burrow quickly after prey, including rabbits, mice, moles, voles, lizards, gophers and prairie dogs. They also eat fruit, honey, insects, eggs and birds.

Badgers dig burrows with long tunnels and a large room for sleeping. They are clean animals. They go outside to poop and they line their sleeping rooms with clean grass or leaves. Badgers are shy, but they are also brave. They will fight animals much larger than themselves if frightened. Badgers can fight off wolves, coyotes, dogs and even humans.

I have always wanted to see a badger. I have searched many places. I never had any luck. That all changed one night in Badlands National Park. I was getting set up to take pictures of the sunset. I was alone at an overlook. I had the feeling someone or something was watching me. I quickly started looking around and. I did not see anybody. So I went back to the sunset. The feeling did not go away. Finally I heard a noise coming from right below me. I looked down and saw this adorable little animal. I was excited. I quickly changed my lens from a wide angle to a super telephoto. This cute guy kept getting closer and closer. I was firing away. It was at this moment I noticed his claws. Long and sharp. This little guy could definitely do some damage to me if he wanted to. He finally changed direction and went down the hillside. I was happy for the experience but relieved he was a friendly animal. 

Location: Badlands National Park, South Dakota