Kansas is home to numerous species of badger, including the American badger, Theloderma cortical, and the Hog badger, Arctonyx collaris. These animals make their homes in urban and rural areas alike, creating complex burrows in the ground which offer protection from extreme weather or predators. Despite their presence in some of Kansas’ more developed areas, very little is known about the habits of badgers due to the difficulty in tracking them at night when they dwell underground for safety.
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Habitat
Badgers in Kansas are an amazing species found all over Kansas. In the drier southern part of the state, these creatures find themselves to be a bit more scarce as their shady wooded habitats frequent this area less than others. However, central Kansas is where badgers shine as prey and plenty of land for frolicking and burrowing gives them everything they need for a comfortable habitat.
Diet
Badgers are omnivores, meaning that they eat both plants and animals to get their nutrients. Their diet consists of insects, small animals like rodents, birds, eggs and reptiles, as well as a variety of plant matter such as fruits, roots, tubers and grasses. Badgers also enjoy a range of other food items like earthworms and even deer carcasses they come across in the wild. To hunt effectively in their nocturnal lifestyle, badgers have strong front claws and sharp teeth which they use to take down their prey. All these sources of food allow badgers to stay healthy in their diverse habitats throughout the world.
Colour
In Kansas, during summer months, badgers typically have lighter-coloured fur, ranging from sandy blond to taupe. However, as the chill of fall and winter sets in, their coats become darker shades of brown and black.
Size, Lifespan and Weight
Badgers in Kansas are usually between 24-30 inches in length, have an average weight of roughly 15-25 pounds, and can live for up to 9 years in the wild. However, some badger species can live up to 16 years in captivity.
Predators
Badgers in Kansas face numerous predators in the wild, but their main enemy is the fox. Studies have shown that foxes are responsible for up to 90% of badger cub mortality and can be particularly aggressive during the spring cubbing season. Other wild predators include coyotes, wolves, raptors such as golden eagles and red-tailed hawks, dogs, weasels and various snakes.
Reproduction
Badgers in Kansas reproduce by mating with the opposite sex, typically after a courtship period.
When successful mating has occurred, the female badger will produce a litter of three or four cubs approximately seven weeks later. The cubs are born blind and helpless, relying entirely on the care and protection of their parents.
They are weaned between 6-8 weeks after birth and will live in the same den until they are independent enough to move out and find their own territory at around eight months of age. Although badgers can mate year-round, most litters are born during spring or early summer so that the cubs can take advantage of warmer weather and an abundance of food resources before winter arrives.
Are there badgers in Kansas?
Yes, there are badgers in Kansas
Do badgers live in Kansas?
Yes, Badgers live in Kansas
What kind of badgers are in Kansas?
Kansas is home to numerous species of badger, including the American badger, Theloderma cortical, and the Hog badger, Arctonyx collaris.
References:
https://webapps.fhsu.edu/ksmammal/account.aspx?o=31&t=165
https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Furharvesting/Furbearers/Badger
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