American Badger 🆒

Badgers are considered "ecosystem engineers" because their intense digging creates homes for many other species.

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

: Their abandoned burrows provide critical shelter for burrowing owls , foxes, skunks, tiger salamanders, and even California red-legged frogs. In the 1820s, iron ore miners in Wisconsin

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 In the 1820s

: Despite their medium size (averaging 15–20 lbs), they are known to stand their ground against much larger predators like bears, wolves, and mountain lions .