Badger: American

In the 1820s, iron ore miners in Wisconsin didn't have permanent homes, so they dug temporary shelters into the hillsides. These miners were nicknamed "badgers," and the name eventually stuck to the entire state. American Badger - Behind the Adventure

The American Badger is a reclusive, powerful predator that plays a unique role in North American ecosystems. Here are some of the most insightful stories and facts about these "underground architects." The "Wily" Partnership with Coyotes American Badger

Badgers are considered "ecosystem engineers" because their intense digging creates homes for many other species. In the 1820s, iron ore miners in Wisconsin

: If the squirrel stays inside, the badger gets it; if it bolts out to escape the digging, the coyote catches it. This teamwork increases the coyote’s catch rate by about 33%. Ecosystem Engineers Here are some of the most insightful stories

: The two predators often hunt together. The badger digs into the burrow, and the coyote waits above ground.

: By constantly tunneling, they aerate the soil and mix nutrients, which helps native plants thrive. A Symbol of Tenacity