Were there ever badgers in New Hampshire?

While badgers are not currently found in New Hampshire, there is evidence that they historically did live in the state.

Here's why:

* Fossil Records: Paleontological evidence suggests the presence of badgers in New Hampshire during the Pleistocene epoch, a period spanning from 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago.

* Early European Accounts: Some historical accounts from the 17th and 18th centuries mention badgers in New Hampshire, but their exact distribution is unclear.

* Habitat Loss: The primary reason for the disappearance of badgers from New Hampshire is likely habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion.

Current Status:

Currently, badgers are not considered a native species in New Hampshire. They are found further west and south, with their range extending as far east as New York and Pennsylvania.

Interesting Note:

There have been occasional reports of badgers being sighted in New Hampshire in recent times. However, these sightings are usually misidentifications of other animals, such as skunks or groundhogs.