Type: report

Article abstract: In 2014, we conducted a follow up study to the initial 2011 rapid assessment for the American badger. Our objectives were to identify target areas with potentially higher densities of badgers and to better assess the level of connectivity between known occupied areas. We conducted 30 canine scent surveys for badger scat (15 funded under Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) Local Assistance Grant (LAG) Grant P1282109 and 15 funded by San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)) that included genetic testing of scat for species verification. We particularly focused on better characterizing badger activity at sites where fresh sign was found in 2011 and also surveyed suitable priority areas that had not been previously surveyed. From March 31 to May 9, 2014, we surveyed for badger scat and sign across 15 sites within San Diego County. We verified American badger at 8 of the sites (confirmed badger scat at 5 sites and badger burrows at 4 sites).