The badger was formerly so common in Wisconsin that the early inhab¬ 
itants of that state gave the nickname of “badger state” to the common¬ 
wealth. In like manner Michigan has acquired the title of “wolverine state” 
because the animal called wolverine is an old settler near the great lakes 
bounding Michigan on three sides. Both these animals belong to the weasel 
family and possess many traits in common. 
The fact that the badger is an inoffensive animal, not interfering with 
man nor the crops he raises, has not saved him from much ill treatment, 
until the term, “badgering,” has come into use. It expresses irritating treat¬ 
ment accorded an inoffensive person or animal. 
Badgers for the most part live on the ground and in burrows. The body 
is stoutly built, the limbs are short and-strong, and armed with large claws. 
The length is from thirty inches to three feet, and the height at the shoulder 
some twelve inches. The general color is gray, but the head is white, with 
a black band on each side. These animals feed on mice, snakes and frogs, 
insects, fruits, acorns, and roots. They are very fond of wasps’ nests. The 
cruel sport of badger-baiting—now, fortunately, nearly extinct—consisted 
of putting a badger in a barrel and setting on dogs to pull him out. 
The dogs are frequently worsted by the badger, as its bite is terrific, and 
its skin so tough, and hair so thick, that the bites of the dog do not take full 
effect. 
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