Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Badger" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for the Baby Wildlife of the 50 States, postmarked May 29, 1984. A mass of earth and stone at the entrance of a large hole, a well-trodden path to a nearby stream, and wisps of distinctive black and white hairs snagged on surrounding brush mark the den of the elusive Badger. The Badger's home is generally a vast underground system -- called a sett -- with many entrances. Woodlands bordered by pastures, and sandy soil are this mammal's favorite building sites. A stocky three feet long, this bear-like animal will commonly remain underground until approximately one hour after sunset when darkness will shroud its movements. Sometimes this squat creature will remain in its den all night to avoid even bright moonlight! It is in this cozy underground home that the mother Badger and her chosen mate for life raise their young. Born in late February or early March, the babies will nestle together in the warmth of their grassy nest for six to eight weeks. Then, the mother Badger will emerge from the underground nursery, sniffing the air cautiously before signaling her babies out into the world for the first time. The parents teach their offspring the art of survival. The young will learn how to stand on their hind legs to sharpen their mammoth front claws on scratching posts . . . claws which will be used to dig mice, moles and ground squirrels from their burrows. The young learn quickly, and by October are ready to set out on their own.

Image Size: 11 x 13 in.
Overall Size: 18.25 x 20.25 in.
Unframed.
(B08756)

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