Food Habits of the American Badger (Taxidea taxus) in Southern Texas: An Observation

Abstract

Limited information exists on American badgers (Taxidea taxus) within their southern distribution.  Our goal was to gather information on diet of badgers in southern Texas.  We collected 6 badgers from private ranches and road sides in 2 counties (Dimmitt and Duval).  Percent content of food items was calculated for each sample.  Prickly pear (Opuntia spp.), mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) bean pods, and rodent remains were found in 4 of the 6 samples collected. Although sample size was small we feel this information provides a good foundation for future research done on this cryptic mammal.