62 NEBRASKAland • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015
R
ecent flooding along the South Platte River system has effected wildlife in various ways.
To photograph the animals impacted, I traveled many backroads. Along one road there
was a high and dry spot where I noticed a freshly dug badger den.
Not having any badger photos in my portfolio, I set up to capture an image of the
creature.
The first day I waited near the den in the early morning and late evening. I could tell by the
fresh tracks that the badger was using the den, but no photos were taken this day, as no badger
was seen.
The water had been up for so long I knew the badger wouldn't be going anywhere soon and
with six-inch to foot high waters, I figured it wasn't finding any food.
I dug through the freezer at home and found left-over smelt from ice fishing, thawed the fish
and headed back to the den the next day. I threw smelt around the entrance hole. The badger,
however, waited me out until after dark; when I returned the next morning, the smelt was gone.
Finally on day four of stalking the den the badger took the bait and I was victorious. My
portfolio now includes badger photos.
Julie Geiser
June 17, 2015
I Smelt a Badger
