I grew up in Wisconsin and never saw a badger (the wild animal) until a couple of years ago on the Nellis Ranges southeast of Tonopah. The first one I saw was huge, about 5 feet long and was heading towards a coyote. The coyote was retreating. The second one I saw was about half that size, but was not afraid of the Ford Bronco I was driving. As I slowed down to look at it along the side of the road, it started charging the vehicle. I would not want these critters living around my house. I think they would have no problem taking on a large dog and I sure wouldn't want to have one cornered.

By the way, Wisconsin is known as the Badger State because the early miners lived in caves (like badgers), not necessarily for the preponderance of wild badgers in the state.