The american badger has a more carnivorous diet than the eurasian, specialising in burrowing for prey such as gophers. It has therefore retained the sharp-edged carnassial teeth typical of carnivores. The striking development of the occipital crest, giving the skull an unusual triangular profile from above, may be linked to digging or rooting behaviour, as with pigs.

1. American Badger skull, lateral view.
 
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2. American Badger skull, ventral view.
 
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3. American Badger skull, dorsal view.
 
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4. American Badger skull, posterior view.
 
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Internet Resources

Standard references :
American Society of Mammalogists Monographs
Smithsonian / Wilson & Reeder's Taxonomic List
University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web

Skull Measurements (defined)

all measurements in mm

Specimen

CB

ZW

JL

IW

PC

NL

UT

Sex

Comments

Illustrated

127.1

78.5

85.7

29.5

27.8

-

32.4

-