Badger

With their flattened, oval shape, abundant grizzled brownish fur, distinctive white stripe on the forehead (sometimes continuing down the back) and powerful build, badgers are extremely easily identified. They are the "bulldozer" of the weasel family. Large front claws suggest a capable burrower. The face is black with pale marks, the feet are black and the belly is pale. Total length is 28-32 inches, a short tail only four to six inches in length. Weights range from 11-22 pounds.
Badgers are well protected from most predators by a thick hide and generally unpleasant disposition. Some are killed for fur, but habitat loss and vehicular accidents greater causes of mortality.
Badgers are animals of open country. Therefore, they are not very abundant in the Upper Peninsula. Their oval burrows (ten inches across and four to six inches high) are familiar features of grasslands and on sandy or loamy soils of the eastern plains or shrub country.

Badgers eat mostly burrowing rodents, such as ground squirrels and pocket gophers, which they dig up during evening or early morning. They also eat nestling birds and rabbits, as well as insects. When frozen ground protects burrowing rodents from attack, badgers turn to mice. In especially cold weather, badgers may simply retreat to their burrow to sleep.