Rare Nocturnal Badger Spotted Digging for Crabs on Beach

On an August fishing excursion along the Texas coast, an individual became privy to an unusual sight. On Padre Island, the rare and primarily nocturnal badger was photographed enjoying a day at the beach! 

The badger was digging in the sandy soil looking for crabs when Tom Howe took pictures and video of the interesting interaction. He claimed that despite learning about badgers living on the island only recently, he had never anticipated seeing one in the flesh.

Badgers are present all over the state of Texas, with the exception of its farthest eastern border. According to the National Park Service, badger families typically disperse into vacant regions during the months of June and August.

The encounter was included as a “bucket list” item by Howe. Some people jokingly claim that the badger was attempting to flee the oppressive heat! A comment on the video we have for you below reads:

“It’s too hot! Animals are not dumb. It was probably so hot the badger couldn’t sleep, so he went in the water to cool off and grab a snack.”

Who knows? This could be the case. 

Why Are Badgers Nocturnal? 

Because they are nocturnal, badgers are the busiest at night. They often carry out the majority of their tasks at night, such as scavenging, excavating, and hunting. Badgers typically emerge just before dusk and remain outside for up to twelve hours before returning to their den. 

A badger is very seldom seen outside during the day. Since badgers are thought to be nocturnal, you may be fortunate and get a glimpse of them sauntering around just before the sun sinks beyond the horizon. 

Because badgers are pretty hard to spot at night, your chances of actually finding one are usually better served by listening for them. Badgers of all ages will shriek and growl during periods of play, similar to a dog.

They typically have extensive underground tunnel networks that let them move about without being seen by prospective predators. When they are using these tunnel networks, it would be tricky to know if a badger might be close, particularly when it is pitch black out.

Are Badgers Dangerous?

Although badgers are wild animals, you don’t need to be afraid of them until you’re really close to them. Typically, they strike out of self-preservation. They have powerful, muscular bodies, sharp teeth, and claws. 

Badgers rarely attack or kill people, but they might defend themselves. Usually, badgers stay away from people. Yet, as badgers are wild animals, you should always exercise caution around them, particularly since honey badgers are far more aggressive. 

Badger attacks on people have also been documented on occasion.

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