Went to check my cameras this morning and noticed a big hole has been burrowed into the ground in front of one of them. I was thinking it was either a coyote den or a woodchuck hole, but low and behold it's a badger. That makes a first for me - I've never seen a wild badger in IL before. Pretty cool.

Here he is having a standoff with one of the resident coyotes. Maybe I'll get some more pictures of him as the summer goes on, although I may move my camera now that I know he's there.

Pretty cool, but I wouldn't want to walk up on one. I hear they can be like a pint-size tornado is you make them mad.

They're really quite docile little furballs, Justin. I'd take him a nice milkbone or two and you'll probably be friends in no time.

Whatcha gonna name him? I like "Pookie".

I had no idea Badgers were in IL.......heck I just checked and they are also in Indiana and Ohio. (Proves they are a highly intelligent creature too because they aren't crossing the border into this shooting gallery)

They list N. Illinois as one of it's home ranges.

I agree give him a scratch on his butt and make friends......they really are quite cuddly.
You can coax them out of their hole by wiggling a Hot dog over the entrance while squeaking like an injured rabbit, they really like that

(Well the one that chased me into chest deep water on Slough Creek in Yellowstone Park wasn't so cuddly but I'm sure he was the exception. LOL)

Yeah, Justin that is rare but happens.Thats totally awesome that you have pics of him. My father inlaw caught one here in Indiana about 15 years ago in a fox trap. They were not supposed to be here. It dug a two feet deep donut hole in a circle around the trap stake. Damdest thing i ever saw. The claws were about 2.5 inches long. There meaner than a wild cat in a briar patch be careful

CoolI pic. I live in Wi the "badger" state. I've seen only 2 wild badgers in my life.

Is that a Mature Badger
That is one cool picture, when I first looked I said "That's a yote, what the hell is Justin smoking"

Coolest picture YTD, I bet it could whena contest

I live in Southwestern Illinois and i have seen 4 badgers in my life. All while Groundhog hunting. They are a rare treat that i enjoy seeing!

Neat picture!!

You haven't experienced excitement until you have one amble up to you bowhunting from the ground. He doesn't know you are there. You don't want to give up the spot but hollering is out cause it is prime time. You wait until he is about2 - 3feetaway and growl at him. He runs down the nearest hole andgrowls in itfor the next 15 minutes. You are thinking... shutup the deer are gonna be here soon!! [&:]

It always works... well it did the one time I had to do it. Actually I get more nervous when skunks come ambling up. Spooking them just doesn't seem to be a good option. You sit very, verystill and be quiet as a mouse the whole time screaming silentlyto yourselflike a girl.

Tim

...or brewers, or packers, or even wisconsin

sweet pic!