Badger 1003 



The gestation of the species is unknown; cannot be guessed gesta- 

 at until we know the exact time of mating. 



The residential burrows of the males and unmated young dens 

 have not been investigated. It is probable that each Badger 

 makes a burrow every twenty-four hours during the summer 

 while in search of food. As there is no certain way of distin- 

 guishing these prospect shafts from actual residences, the labour 



Fig. 232 — Badger hole, 6 feet deep, 



Carberry. Mass., July 35.1893, 



of digging out all, in order to run the facts to earth, has hitherto 

 proven too serious for the investigators. It is not by any means 

 certain that the 'foot-loose' Badger does stick to any one den 

 in his home-range. 



But the female has a different way of life. Early in the 

 spring, accompanied, we believe, by her mate, she prepares a 

 complete nest of grass in a well-drained hole, two or three feet 

 below the surface, and here, in late May or perhaps early June, 

 are born the young. They number 2 to 5; 3 is probably the 

 usual number, 



I cannot learn that any one ever saw a Badger travelling young 

 and accompanied by its young. Apparently they remain in the 

 home den until big enough to dig for themselves, which may 

 mean till a year old. Senator J. N. Kirchhoffer, of Brandon, 

 tells me that on the Souris he once saw an old one and 2 young 

 ones together at the den about the end of September. 



This creature has bartered its speed for strength to die. speed, 



. . . etc. 



A man can easily overtake it if by rare chance it is surprised 



from its home, but that does not mean that it is caught, for in 



