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American Badger Study (Taxidea taxus)

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Badger tracks under Alameda Bridge, Albuquerque

This study will estimate the population of American badger in the east side Albuquerque bosque from Alameda to just south of Cesar Chavez. We will deploy teams of certified wildlife trackers to find badger digs, burrows and tracks, then choose locations for lure-based camera traps—facing down—which will capture distinct dorsal stripes on badger heads to determine individuals. Final products will include a GIS map and scientific paper, tied in with my master's program at Prescott College.

Scroll down for other badger study links.

Badger den near Montaño, Albuquerque (Note classic large mound of dirt excavated)

Badger dig/den identification:

Opening approx. 7-10 inches wide/high, usually angling into ground., often wider than tall, or at least equal height/width.​ Horizontal claw marks often visible in side walls of burrow, unlike in canine digs. Dig can be straight down, usually when digging after gophers. Digs often but not always found on slopes or embankments.

Badgers dig dens to spend one or more nights, sometimes enlarging the holes of their prey, such as ground squirrels.. These are identified by the large throw mound of over three feet square. 

Smaller digs, many in an area, indicate foraging for voles, pocket gophers, ground squirrels, grubs or insects.

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Get excellent training in track and sign online with world-class instructors! To date, every SWOTT alumnus has gotten a certificate with Tracker Certification North America on their first try.

Badger forage digs & tracks, Monahans Sandhills State Park, Texas

They were digging for Jerusalem cricket here.

Badger front foot, from roadkill badger in Santa Fe, NM

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Michael Cox logging a badger dig large enough to be a possible natal den south of Cesar Chavez in Albuquerque. 

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Inside badger den entrance south of I-40. Note classic badger claw marks on side of tunnel wall

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Deeper badger forage digs south of Cesar Chavez in Albuquerque. Note grouping of holes with small throw mounds.

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Shallow badger forage digs south of Alameda. Note grouping of shallow, round holes

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Ann Hunkins examining a badger dig south of Cesar Chavez

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