The American badger uses its sharp claws to dig rabbits, rats, mice, gophers and other burrowing animals out of the ground to eat. They’re so adept at rooting out prey that coyotes will often hang around to catch any animals that slip by the badger. To protect their eyes from all that dirt flying around, badgers have a second, transparent eyelid. The American badger is also well protected from predators thanks to its muscular physique, thick fur and an ability to release a foul-smelling musk to drive enemies away. The American badger is largely nocturnal and lives an average of four to five years in the wild.