Taxidea taxus, commonly known as the American badger, is a burrowing mammal native to North America. It boasts a stocky, muscular build with distinct facial markings, sharp claws, and a grizzled gray coat. Known for its solitary nature, it inhabits open prairies and grasslands, playing a vital role in controlling rodent populations.

Taxidea taxus, commonly known as the American badger, is native to North America. Its geographical distribution primarily spans from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico. The species is found in a wide range of areas across the western and central parts of the continent, including the Great Plains, the western United States, and parts of the Midwest.

The American badger typically inhabits open grasslands, prairies, and plains. It prefers areas with loose, sandy, or friable soil that are conducive to digging. The climate in these regions ranges from semi-arid to temperate, with the presence of dry summers and cold winters in some areas.

As a fossorial mammal, the American badger is adapted to a life of digging. It plays a significant role in its ecosystem as a predator and helps control populations of small mammals such as ground squirrels and prairie dogs. The badger's burrowing activities also contribute to soil aeration and can influence the structure of plant communities. Its adaptations for a burrowing lifestyle include powerful forelimbs, long claws, and a sturdy build suited for digging.