Critter

Since the badger is the mascot of the University of Wisconsin (well, Bucky Badger), one sees images all over the place. It should be the groundhog, IMHO, because I see lots of them but have never seen nary a badger anywhere up here in the wild.

That might change, however. Peggy reports that her dog Ivy started growling at something outside last night, and when Peg went to check, it turned out to be an honest-to-Wisconsin badger. She says she had never seen one up here, either. We will have to keep our eyes out. Maybe we too will be blessed with a visit.

Not that I am likely to try to get up close and personal. Badgers are not noted for their friendliness.

BTW, I understand that the association of Wisconsin with badgers is not connected to the wildlife at all. The name refers to the lead miners who came to the area in the 1820s and 1830s. They first dug out caves and tunnels into the hillsides for shelter in the winter. Since badgers burrow underground, the locals called the burrowers badgers. So to be historically accurate, Bucky Badger should not look like the animal but like a miner.

I know, I know. Way too much information!