Best time to travel to Yellowstone National Park

Badgers in Yellowstone National Park

These little diggers roam around the park but hide quickly and are rather hard to spot

Best time: June–September

Badgers
Badgers
Badgers

Badgers are common animals in Yellowstone, but it's quite hard to spot them. These are small and stout animals, with a weight around 6-11 kg and a length of 55-70 cm. They have light fur and a dark stripe along their back. Badgers are continuous diggers.

They dig for food or to make homes during mating season that usually lasts during summer and early autumn. Although badgers are most active at night, during this season you can spot them playing even during the daylight.

During winter, badgers can be inactive, but still they aren't true hibernators. The main habitat of badgers are grasslands and open areas. In Yellowstone you can find lots at Lamar and Hayden Valleys.

Practical info

When is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park to see badgers?

Badgers are visible in Yellowstone National Park during summers and early autumn, from June till September. They remain active during their mating season, which primarily takes place during these months. Even though badgers are nocturnal creatures, tourists could catch a glimpse of them during daylight. Inactive during winters, badgers don't hibernate but conserve energy while surviving harsh conditions. Show more

Where can I find badgers in Yellowstone National Park?

Typically found in open areas and grasslands, badgers can be spotted in Yellowstone National Park's Lamar and Hayden Valleys. However, as badgers are small yet fast creatures, they tend to hide rapidly, prompting tourists to hire specialized guides with extensive knowledge of the park. Opting for guides could increase chances of spotting these elusive creatures. Show more

How can I identify a badger in Yellowstone National Park?

In Yellowstone National Park, spotting a badger requires observation skills, as they are small, sturdy creatures. They have a light coat of fur with a dark stripe running along their back. Continuous diggers, tourists could identify them through their diggings around the park. Often compared to a polecat's appearance, badgers typically weigh between 6-11 kgs and are 55-70 cm in length. Show more

What do badgers eat and how do they hunt in Yellowstone National Park?

While omnivorous, badgers are opportunistic eaters primarily feeding on small mammals, including ground squirrels, voles, and mice, reptiles, insects, and fruits. In Yellowstone National Park, they hunt for prey by digging through loose soil and devouring whatever comes their way. With their sharp claws, powerful jaws, and tough skin protecting them from bites and scratches, badgers can take on larger prey. Show more

How do badgers adapt to the winter season in Yellowstone National Park?

Badgers use adaptive strategies during winters to survive harsh conditions efficiently. Unlike most animals, they don't hibernate and instead reduce their activity, stay warm in their dens, and rely on their lower metabolism to conserve energy. During fall, they often hoard food in their dens to sustain themselves through winter. Their thick fur and fat reserves further help regulate their body temperature and keep warm. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin