Yes, badgers are protected in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 10.02 lists the badger as a protected wild animal, which means no one may take, trap, kill, transport, or possess a badger or its carcass at any time except as specifically authorized by state or federal law.1Wisconsin State Legislature. Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 10.022Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Nuisance, Urban and Damaging Wildlife – Section: Badgers
What Protected Status Actually Means
Badgers have no open season in Wisconsin. Unlike deer or turkey, there is no license you can buy that permits hunting or trapping a badger at any point in the year. NR 10.02 creates a permanent closed season by listing the badger among species that may not be taken at any time.1Wisconsin State Legislature. Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 10.02 That is the practical core of protection: taking a badger is always illegal unless a narrow exception applies.
Protected is not the same as endangered. Badgers are not on Wisconsin’s endangered or threatened species list, and the American badger is not listed under the federal Endangered Species Act.3U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (ECOS). Species Profile for American Badger (Taxidea taxus) The population is stable; the state simply doesn’t allow the public to hunt or trap them.
Penalties for Illegally Taking a Badger
Unlawfully taking game or a fur-bearing animal carries a forfeiture of up to $1,000 under Wisconsin Statutes 29.971(3).4Wisconsin State Legislature. Wisconsin Code 29.971 – Penalties On top of that, the state can bring a separate civil action for damages. For fur-bearing animals not individually named in the damages schedule, the amount is $17.50 per animal under Wisconsin Statutes 29.977(1)(m). A court may revoke hunting and trapping licenses, and a wild animal protection surcharge can be added.
Between the forfeiture, civil damages, surcharges, and possible loss of hunting privileges, the total exposure gets meaningful quickly.
Can You Keep a Badger?
No. Wisconsin Statutes 169.04 prohibits possessing a live wild animal unless it was legally obtained and you hold the required license or approval.5Wisconsin State Legislature. Wisconsin Code 169.04 – Possession of Live Wild Animals There is one narrow exception: temporary possession of up to 24 hours if you are transporting the animal to a veterinarian or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, or moving it to a more appropriate location. Anything longer requires DNR approval.
Veterinarians giving medical treatment and public zoos are exempt from the licensing requirement. Private individuals are not, so keeping a badger as a pet is not an option.
Nuisance Badgers on Your Property
Because badgers are protected, you can’t trap or kill one that’s digging up your yard. The DNR recommends non-lethal deterrents applied twice a day for at least a week:2Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Nuisance, Urban and Damaging Wildlife – Section: Badgers
- Remove food sources by controlling prey animals like chipmunks, ground squirrels, moles, and voles, and clearing ant mounds and ground-level hives.
- Eliminate prey habitat: old stumps, wood piles, rock piles, spilled bird seed, and holes that harbor prey.
- Use smell deterrents. Dryer sheets or pet feces placed into den entrance holes twice daily can discourage a badger.
- Add lighting around buildings. Badgers are nocturnal and avoid well-lit areas.
- Add noise. A radio, wind chimes, or clapping and yelling when you spot one will usually drive it off, because badgers avoid confrontation with humans.
- Use water. Motion-activated sprinklers or a hose work well.
Persistence matters more than any single tactic. Badgers are often just passing through, and consistent pressure encourages them to move on. If the animal is causing significant damage and deterrents fail, call the DNR rather than handling it yourself.
Sick or Injured Badgers
Don’t try to handle an injured badger. They have powerful jaws and become unpredictable when hurt. Report the animal to the DNR Wildlife Switchboard at 608-267-0866 or DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wisconsin.gov, or contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.6Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Wildlife Health – Section: Report Sick or Dead Wildlife Under the 24-hour rule in Chapter 169, you may transport a sick or injured badger to a veterinarian or rehabilitator so long as you do so within that window.5Wisconsin State Legislature. Wisconsin Code 169.04 – Possession of Live Wild Animals
Reporting Poaching
If you see or suspect someone illegally killing, trapping, or possessing a badger, report it to the DNR Violation Hotline. Call or text 1-800-847-9367, or file a report online.7Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Report a Violation The hotline runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and reports are confidential. Include the location, the time, a description of the activity, and any identifying information about the people involved.