The Awesome American Badger Presentation with Susan Kirks, N

In the past five years, increased badger activity has been documented in the Laguna de Santa Rosa Watershed, particularly in Sebastopol and Western Sonoma County. Why is this occurring? Join Naturalist Susan Kirks, entering her 18th year of field study and observations of the reclusive American Badger (Taxidea taxus) and its life cycle and activities, to better understand this awesome mammal and its current activity in Sonoma County. “There are many myths about badgers,” shares Susan. Discovering the true nature of the American Badger has been a years-long study of Naturalist Kirks. We’ll consider similarities and differences of European Badgers, Honey Badgers, and American Badgers. The way American Badger lives in and moves through its habitat will be described, along with the best ways to co-exist with badgers in our grassland ecosystems. We’ll also learn about habitat areas and wildlife corridors in Sonoma County. An update will be provided on the petition to remove American Badger and Gray Fox from the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife’s mammal hunting list.  

Naturalist Susan Kirks’ conservation and education efforts on behalf of American Badger are recognized throughout California.  Susan also serves as President of Madrone Audubon Society in Sonoma County and chairs the Board of Directors of Paula Lane Action Network, a Petaluma-based conservation nonprofit that helped save the first and thus far only habitat property in California specifically conserved for American Badger, located in South Sonoma County.

For more information, visit www.lagunafoundation.org  
Or contact Anita Smith, Public Education Manager, Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation

(707) 527-9277 x 110, anita@lagunafoundation.org