The American badger is mostly carnivorous. Over most parts of its habitat the badger can find a particular species of small mammal which it relies on, although it will of course eat any other suitable prey that it comes across when hunting. The primary prey species varies from place to place. In some areas ground squirrels are abundant, in others the badger may specialise on mice, pocket gophers, kangaroo rats, prairie dogs or cottontail rabbits. Marmots, chipmunks, deer mice, voles and even young skunks will also be eaten when found.
In addition to small mammals, the American badger will also dig for smaller creatures, such as the larvae of beetles, bees, wasps and even hornets. Other insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, beetles and caterpillars are also taken from the ground surface or from low vegetation.
Other animals eaten by badgers include ground-nesting birds and their eggs, snakes (including rattlers), lizards, frogs and toads. Vegetables including cereals are also eaten.
FOOD CHAIN
The American Badger is a vital part of its ecosystem for its predators, the American Badger must survive for its predators to survive plus it controls the population of the small mammals it eats in its habitat.
