When I saw the giant hole at the side of the road as I passed, one of my favorite bands of mustangs just ahead, I thought, “hm … badger opened that hole.” And I didn’t think much more about it.
Until I stopped several yards away and was dithering around getting my camera out of my pack and ready to aim at ponies.
And I saw the low-to-the-ground scurrying grey-and-black-and-white critter. … !
It got to its hole before I got my camera to my eye, but then it proved to be wonderfully curious!
Badgers have quite a ferocious reputation, so I was glad of my long lens. I took several pix from different angles, and it watched me calmly from the safety of its burrow. Badgers commonly dig into the burrows of ground squirrels and prairie dogs to get at the critters inside (not so safe for them, eh?). See that pile of dirt? All fresh. I spent a few minutes with it, then moseyed on to finish the evening with mustangs.
So cool. π
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
I’ve read about their less than friendly reputations, but they are cute never the less!
But then, wild animals of all kinds just fascinate me.
Great pictures.
They are super cute, but they like their space, and I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of one’s aggression! Wild creatures of all kinds fascinate me, too. π
Great badger photos, TJ! Glad he came back out for a closer look at you. π And yes, they do have a reputation for being fierce and cranky! I’ve only seen one in the wild once and like you, I gave him his space. π
I’ve seen several out here – the first badger I ever saw was in Disappointment Valley – but these are by far the best pix I’ve ever taken of one. I’m glad he was a willing subject!
What a cute little critter! So lucky to get some great pictures from a distance! They are very fierce!
Fortunately, this little guy/gal was more curious than fierce; I think s/he felt safe in his/her burrow. I was glad to get some pix and leave him/her to peace!
Super cool sighting !! Such fun to learn about the biodiversity you encounter there ! He / she looks adorable but glad you were safely behind that long reaching lens π
Oh, I do love badgers – from a distance! π I was hoping to get a better look at those powerful forearms and claws, but I didn’t want to get *too* close to do so! Such a great variety out here, for sure!
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Wow is right! I was happy for the sighting! π
Badgers are excellent excavators, and this one lived up to that .
he/she is a cutie! Good capture.
Yes, they are, and there’s no shortage of prairie dogs/ground squirrels to go after. It has been a bumper year for little critters like that, which is good for the badgers, I’m sure!
He is wonderful!!!!!
SO wonderful! π I was glad for the sighting, let alone the pix!