The True Nature of American Badger Presentation

Badgers are a little understood species, often described as “elusive,” yet are native mammals to California and other parts of the U.S. and Canada. Did you know that American badger (Taxidea taxus) is making its home in Sonoma County and has recently been documented moving through the Laguna de Santa Rosa corridor? Join us for a fascinating talk about the “true nature” of the American badger. Badger ecologist and naturalist Susan Kirks will share her experience observing and working to understand the badger in its native habitat, its needs and behaviors, and her work to conserve habitat and the species. Learn to recognize signs of badger activity, learn about seasonal behaviors from autumn to summer, and discover the ecosystem benefits of American badger.

Susan Kirks is a Badger ecologist and naturalist in her 16th year of direct field study and observation of American badger. Recognized as the leading naturalist in California for the species, Susan’s focus is conservation of habitat and wildlife connectivity areas to support American badger being able to survive in its native habitat. Susan is a past president of Madrone Audubon Society and continues to serve as Chair of the Renewable Energy Subcommittee of Madrone’s Conservation Committee. Susan’s educational background includes a Master’s degree in Communication, Bachelor’s degree in Communication, and Master’s degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. She is a licensed acupuncturist in California. Susan helped found and continues to lead the nonprofit, Paula Lane Action Network, a Grantee in conserving a 100-year-old-plus American badger habitat in West Petaluma, an 11-acre land centrally located in a wildlife corridor, and the first conserved land specifically for badger in California.