Types of Badger in Idaho
Yes, there is only one type of badger found in Idaho, which is the North American badger. This species is widespread across the state, from the high deserts of the south to the mountain valleys of the north. While there aren't multiple species, badgers in Idaho can vary slightly in size and coat color depending on their local environment. They thrive in areas with loose soil and plenty of small mammals, making Idaho's diverse landscapes an ideal home for this single, hardy species.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 30, 2026.
Idaho has one established type of badger: the American Badger. Below are the related species here that people most often mistake for it.
The wider family, source iNaturalist
Other the weasel family in Idaho
Only one kind of badger lives in Idaho, so the useful question is which related animals share the state. 5 other members of the weasel family have a verified record here, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The ones you are most likely to see, or mix up with a badger, are American Mink, North American River Otter and Long-tailed Weasel. They are listed below, ranked by how often each is recorded.
Records from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
More on badgers in Idaho:
Yes, there is only one type of badger found in Idaho, which is the North American badger. This species is widespread across the state, from the high deserts of the south to the mountain valleys of the north. While there aren't multiple species, badgers in Idaho can vary slightly in size and coat color depending on their local environment. They thrive in areas with loose soil and plenty of small mammals, making Idaho's diverse landscapes an ideal home for this single, hardy species.
What kind of badger lives in Idaho?
The North American badger, known scientifically as Taxidea taxus, is the only badger species in Idaho. It is a member of the weasel family and is uniquely adapted for a life of digging. You can find them in a variety of habitats, including the Sawtooth Valley and the sagebrush plains near the Salmon River.
Are there different species of badgers in Idaho?
No, Idaho does not have multiple badger species. Unlike some other mammals that have several related types in the state, the North American badger stands alone. This species is found throughout the American West and is the same type you would encounter in neighboring states like Wyoming or Montana.
How do Idaho badgers vary across the state?
While they are all the same species, badgers in the northern mountain valleys like Teton Valley may grow slightly larger than those in the arid southern deserts. Their coat color can also shift slightly to match the local soil, ranging from a pale sandy gray to a deeper silver-brown. These variations are minor and do not represent different types.
What is the badger's role in Idaho's ecosystem?
As the only badger type in the state, they play a vital role as a top predator of rodents. By digging for ground squirrels and pocket gophers, they help control pest populations. Their abandoned burrows also provide essential homes for other Idaho wildlife, such as burrowing owls and various reptiles.
Can you find badgers in Craters of the Moon?
Yes, the North American badger is well-suited to the rugged environment of Craters of the Moon. They are able to burrow into the cinders and soil between lava flows. The presence of abundant prey like marmots and ground squirrels makes this a productive area for the state's single badger species.
How many badgers live in Idaho?
While exact population counts are difficult to determine due to their solitary and nocturnal nature, badgers are considered common and stable across most of Idaho. They are found in every county where suitable open habitat exists. Their ability to adapt to both desert and mountain environments ensures their continued presence throughout the state.
Conservation status, source NatureServe
Conservation rank for badger (American Badger, Taxidea taxus), as assessed by NatureServe Explorer.
| Scope | NatureServe rank | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| In Idaho | S4 | Apparently Secure |
| Global (rangewide) | G5 | Secure |
NatureServe ranks run from 1 (critically imperiled) to 5 (secure). See our data methodology for how this is sourced.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of badger lives in Idaho?+
The North American badger, known scientifically as Taxidea taxus, is the only badger species in Idaho. It is a member of the weasel family and is uniquely adapted for a life of digging. You can find them in a variety of habitats, including the Sawtooth Valley and the sagebrush plains near the Salmon River.
Are there different species of badgers in Idaho?+
No, Idaho does not have multiple badger species. Unlike some other mammals that have several related types in the state, the North American badger stands alone. This species is found throughout the American West and is the same type you would encounter in neighboring states like Wyoming or Montana.
How do Idaho badgers vary across the state?+
While they are all the same species, badgers in the northern mountain valleys like Teton Valley may grow slightly larger than those in the arid southern deserts. Their coat color can also shift slightly to match the local soil, ranging from a pale sandy gray to a deeper silver-brown. These variations are minor and do not represent different types.
What is the badger's role in Idaho's ecosystem?+
As the only badger type in the state, they play a vital role as a top predator of rodents. By digging for ground squirrels and pocket gophers, they help control pest populations. Their abandoned burrows also provide essential homes for other Idaho wildlife, such as burrowing owls and various reptiles.
Can you find badgers in Craters of the Moon?+
Yes, the North American badger is well-suited to the rugged environment of Craters of the Moon. They are able to burrow into the cinders and soil between lava flows. The presence of abundant prey like marmots and ground squirrels makes this a productive area for the state's single badger species.
How many badgers live in Idaho?+
While exact population counts are difficult to determine due to their solitary and nocturnal nature, badgers are considered common and stable across most of Idaho. They are found in every county where suitable open habitat exists. Their ability to adapt to both desert and mountain environments ensures their continued presence throughout the state.
Keep exploring
More places to see badger
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Common questions about badgers