Wild Badger Could Teach Biologists About Illinois Environments

Cook County, IL - Wildlife biologists who caught a badger near northwest Cook County will track the mysterious animal to learn about its health, behavior and habits.

The Forest Preserves and Chicago Zoological Society, which operates Brookfield Zoo, are collaborating in this study.

Veterinarians with the Chicago Zoological Society surgically implanted a transmitter in the badger, which researchers can use to track the animal and observe how it survives in its environment.

“There is so little information known about badgers, especially badgers in an urban setting,” said Chris Anchor, senior wildlife biologist for the Forest Preserves of Cook County, in a statement. “Just about all of the information we’re going to gain from this study is going to be novel and helpful for conservation efforts.”

Anchor said the information that could come from this one badger is indispensable.

Jennifer Langan, senior staff veterinarian for the Chicago Zoological Society and clinical associate professor at the University of Illinois, said badgers are rarely seen in Illinois.

Veterinarians conducting a health assessment collected samples from the badger, which they will study as part of a long-term disease investigation. The research will help experts learn about badger populations and the diseases that might threaten them in Illinois.

“Badgers are an apex predator, and they expose themselves to many other types of animals, either directly or indirectly," Anchor said. "Because of this, badgers are great bio monitors and will be able to help us learn what they are naturally exposed to.”

Apex predators are animals at the top of the food chain, which do not become the prey of other animals.

Researchers can use information about this one badger to find out how conservation and restoration can help badgers and the biodiversity of all wildlife.

Photos courtesy of the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the Chicago Zoological Society.
Published March 26, 2016