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Classification

The American badger has traditionally been classified as follows:

Class: Mammalia (Mammals)

Family: Mustelidae (Weasels etc.)

Sub-family: Melinae (True badgers)

Genus & species: Taxidea taxus (The American badger)

This badger was first described by Schreber in 1777. It was originally classified with the bears, and was given the Latin name Ursus taxus [w005-02].

W. Chris Wozencraft has proposed that Taxidea should in fact be placed in its own sub-family (Taxidiinae), which would separate it from the "true badgers" [w005-10].

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Subspecies

The following subspecies are recognised:

• Taxidea taxus taxus - the "nominate" subspecies. Ranges from central southern Canada, southwards through central USA.
• Taxidea taxus jacksoni - restricted to an area around the western Great Lakes.
• Taxidea taxus jeffersoni - inhabits the western coastal states of Canada and the USA, and adjoining states.
• Taxidea taxus berlandieri - a small subspecies, which lives in the south-western states of the USA, and Mexico.

[All subspecies data: b001].

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Picture credits

The American badger photo used at the head of this Article is a public domain image provided by the US Fish & Wildlife Service; photographer Gary Stolz. Credits for the photos used in the right-hand margin of this page for site navigation can be found on the Credits page.

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