Mushroom, mushroom.
March 31, 2017 1:48 PM Subscribe
It's Friday, so have a badger burying a calf. Caught on camera.
that's goddamn amazing. clearly, it does not give a fuck.
posted by numaner at 1:58 PM on March 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by numaner at 1:58 PM on March 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
my name is badge
and wen its nite,
i find som meat
and take a bite
i cannot eat
much more than half
i dig the dirt
and hide the calf
posted by Hairy Lobster at 2:10 PM on March 31, 2017 [83 favorites]
and wen its nite,
i find som meat
and take a bite
i cannot eat
much more than half
i dig the dirt
and hide the calf
posted by Hairy Lobster at 2:10 PM on March 31, 2017 [83 favorites]
Cow was badgered. Badger was not cowed.
posted by The Bellman at 2:15 PM on March 31, 2017 [43 favorites]
posted by The Bellman at 2:15 PM on March 31, 2017 [43 favorites]
Not only was the video sweet, but I'm definitely stealing the phrase "totally monopolise that really important food source" for future use.
posted by mr. digits at 2:16 PM on March 31, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by mr. digits at 2:16 PM on March 31, 2017 [4 favorites]
“I was really shocked and amazed, and really excited,” said Buechley.
Just when I get over my regrets at not becoming an animal behaviorist, they pull me back in.
posted by Squeak Attack at 2:29 PM on March 31, 2017 [3 favorites]
Just when I get over my regrets at not becoming an animal behaviorist, they pull me back in.
posted by Squeak Attack at 2:29 PM on March 31, 2017 [3 favorites]
Badger my arse, that was fricking Dougal.
posted by biffa at 2:29 PM on March 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by biffa at 2:29 PM on March 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
*American* badger singlehandedly buries cow – timelapse video
Making America great again, one cow at a time.
posted by ZenMasterThis at 2:33 PM on March 31, 2017 [4 favorites]
Making America great again, one cow at a time.
posted by ZenMasterThis at 2:33 PM on March 31, 2017 [4 favorites]
The article quotes Beuchley as saying "I was pretty bummed because it was a tonne of work to drive these carcasses out into the desert," but I'm pretty sure he meant that it was a U.S. ton of work rather than a British tonne, which is equivalent to a metric ton, though they're actually pretty close in terms of weight.
posted by larrybob at 2:43 PM on March 31, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by larrybob at 2:43 PM on March 31, 2017 [5 favorites]
I like how it built a house next to its dinner. The perfect badger lifestyle; nap, roll over and snack a bit, nap.
posted by tavella at 2:54 PM on March 31, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by tavella at 2:54 PM on March 31, 2017 [4 favorites]
Needs an OMINOUSPORTENTFRIDAYS tag.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 3:00 PM on March 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 3:00 PM on March 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
You're hired.
posted by ColdChef at 3:04 PM on March 31, 2017 [24 favorites]
posted by ColdChef at 3:04 PM on March 31, 2017 [24 favorites]
There's something you don't see every day, Chauncey.
What's that, Edgar?
posted by Splunge at 3:10 PM on March 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
What's that, Edgar?
posted by Splunge at 3:10 PM on March 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
That American badger seems to have a broader and rounder forehead than its British counterpart pictured directly below, as well as a much blunter snout -- neoteny and possible greater intelligence?
You're hired
No kidding; these guys could be so useful.
posted by jamjam at 3:33 PM on March 31, 2017
You're hired
No kidding; these guys could be so useful.
posted by jamjam at 3:33 PM on March 31, 2017
Yay badgers!
But:
The images were taken by camera traps set up by researchers who had left seven calf carcasses in Utah’s Grassy Mountains in January last year in an attempt to study which scavengers descended on the animals.
So, did they kill the calves just so they can dump them to see who eats them? If so, that's pretty messed up, no?
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 4:12 PM on March 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
But:
The images were taken by camera traps set up by researchers who had left seven calf carcasses in Utah’s Grassy Mountains in January last year in an attempt to study which scavengers descended on the animals.
So, did they kill the calves just so they can dump them to see who eats them? If so, that's pretty messed up, no?
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 4:12 PM on March 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
I imagine cow/calf carcasses are pretty plentiful.
posted by randomkeystrike at 5:11 PM on March 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by randomkeystrike at 5:11 PM on March 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
So, did they kill the calves just so they can dump them to see who eats them?
I'm just guessing here, but that looked like a black and white (Holstein) calf, and I'll bet they got it from the animal disposal, who got it originally from the dairy breeders. If you have a large herd, you generally have a mortality rate that can supply a disposal facility with enough pickup for every 2-4 days during breeding season. The beef lot in Grandview runs their own open semi-trucks, and they run 2-3 loads a day here in Idaho. Even in the summer. Don't get behind one on I84.
Or as randomkeystrike said.
posted by BlueHorse at 5:17 PM on March 31, 2017 [6 favorites]
I'm just guessing here, but that looked like a black and white (Holstein) calf, and I'll bet they got it from the animal disposal, who got it originally from the dairy breeders. If you have a large herd, you generally have a mortality rate that can supply a disposal facility with enough pickup for every 2-4 days during breeding season. The beef lot in Grandview runs their own open semi-trucks, and they run 2-3 loads a day here in Idaho. Even in the summer. Don't get behind one on I84.
Or as randomkeystrike said.
posted by BlueHorse at 5:17 PM on March 31, 2017 [6 favorites]
If so, that's pretty messed up, no?
The killing bit, the dumping bit, or the eating bit? This is called "veal" when you buy it the store. USDA has quality standards (prime, choice, good, standard, utility), but the badgers are probably not too picky, and are probably happy with carcasses that didn't even make it to the abattoir.
posted by effbot at 5:37 PM on March 31, 2017 [3 favorites]
The killing bit, the dumping bit, or the eating bit? This is called "veal" when you buy it the store. USDA has quality standards (prime, choice, good, standard, utility), but the badgers are probably not too picky, and are probably happy with carcasses that didn't even make it to the abattoir.
posted by effbot at 5:37 PM on March 31, 2017 [3 favorites]
I'm pretty sure he meant that it was a U.S. ton of work rather than a British tonne, which is equivalent to a metric ton, though they're actually pretty close in terms of weight.
However, in assessing work such as moving a large, stinky dead and bloating animal, the actual unit would be designated as a fuckton. It is important to designate whether this is Imperial or metric.
The US uses Imperial measurement, and the animal referenced in the article is Taxidea taxus rather than Meles meles, therefore the use of the British tonne is incorrect in this case.
Although:
If you do need to be emphatic, go metric. Not all metric units are bigger than imperial ones (and a metric ton is larger than a short ton but smaller than a long ton), but metric does seem to be a universal intensifier for -load and -ton measures.
However:
To refer to a metric fuck-tonne would be redundant, as the tonne references a metric measure.
Explain the truth or falsity of the following statement, giving reasons ... [20 points]
Work can be measured in either in volume or mass
posted by BlueHorse at 5:58 PM on March 31, 2017 [4 favorites]
However, in assessing work such as moving a large, stinky dead and bloating animal, the actual unit would be designated as a fuckton. It is important to designate whether this is Imperial or metric.
The US uses Imperial measurement, and the animal referenced in the article is Taxidea taxus rather than Meles meles, therefore the use of the British tonne is incorrect in this case.
Although:
If you do need to be emphatic, go metric. Not all metric units are bigger than imperial ones (and a metric ton is larger than a short ton but smaller than a long ton), but metric does seem to be a universal intensifier for -load and -ton measures.
However:
To refer to a metric fuck-tonne would be redundant, as the tonne references a metric measure.
Explain the truth or falsity of the following statement, giving reasons ... [20 points]
Work can be measured in either in volume or mass
posted by BlueHorse at 5:58 PM on March 31, 2017 [4 favorites]
"I'm sorry, but I can't use you for any more jobs, you were supposed to be discreet." Said the Corgi before pawing out the sim card and biting in in half.
posted by BrotherCaine at 6:19 PM on March 31, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by BrotherCaine at 6:19 PM on March 31, 2017 [3 favorites]
Work can be measured in either in volume or mass
True. But the work is actually measured in wine. Specifically, casks of wine. Carried on boats. Tonnage. Which is where the word ton comes from. Or Tun, if you like. This could contain a volume between 175 and 213 imperial gallons, which could weigh, oh, say 2000 lbs. And occupy around 60 cubic feet.
You bring the steak, I'll bring the wine.
posted by valkane at 6:47 PM on March 31, 2017 [4 favorites]
True. But the work is actually measured in wine. Specifically, casks of wine. Carried on boats. Tonnage. Which is where the word ton comes from. Or Tun, if you like. This could contain a volume between 175 and 213 imperial gallons, which could weigh, oh, say 2000 lbs. And occupy around 60 cubic feet.
You bring the steak, I'll bring the wine.
posted by valkane at 6:47 PM on March 31, 2017 [4 favorites]
That American badger seems to have a broader and rounder forehead than its British counterpart pictured directly below, as well as a much blunter snout -- neoteny and possible greater intelligence?
We need to go deeper!
posted by sebastienbailard at 7:06 PM on March 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
We need to go deeper!
posted by sebastienbailard at 7:06 PM on March 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
"Eeeeek a snake!"
posted by WalkerWestridge at 7:13 PM on March 31, 2017
posted by WalkerWestridge at 7:13 PM on March 31, 2017
I for one didn't realise badgers ate meat. I thought at most they ate grubs or something. So when I clicked on the video I somehow convinced myself that it was going to be a cute video about a badger playing with a calf or something.
posted by littlesq at 7:32 PM on March 31, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by littlesq at 7:32 PM on March 31, 2017 [3 favorites]
Good kitty!
posted by unknowncommand at 7:37 PM on March 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by unknowncommand at 7:37 PM on March 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
So, did they kill the calves just so they can dump them to see who eats them? If so, that's pretty messed up, no?
- I'm just guessing here, but that looked like a black and white (Holstein) calf, and I'll bet they got it from the animal disposal, who got it originally from the dairy breeders.
Winner, winner, carrion dinner! [Hands BlueHorse a shovel, wishes them luck getting past the badger]
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 12:05 AM on April 1, 2017 [4 favorites]
- I'm just guessing here, but that looked like a black and white (Holstein) calf, and I'll bet they got it from the animal disposal, who got it originally from the dairy breeders.
Winner, winner, carrion dinner! [Hands BlueHorse a shovel, wishes them luck getting past the badger]
The carcasses were acquired from a local dairy farm in Richfield, Utah. The calves had died from natural causes either during birth or soon after, and were kept frozen until they were placed out for the study. The carcasses weighed between 18.6 and 26.9 kg.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 12:05 AM on April 1, 2017 [4 favorites]
Dad badger: "Thank you, thank you. We'll be here all week -- try the veal!"
Kid badgers: eye roll
posted by Killick at 2:32 AM on April 1, 2017 [2 favorites]
Kid badgers: eye roll
posted by Killick at 2:32 AM on April 1, 2017 [2 favorites]
TSA Official: "You'll have to put that laptop in checked baggage, sir, before proceeding to your dinner."
Badger: "Why?"
TSA Official: "It's not allowed in your carrion."
Badger: eye roll
posted by Devonian at 4:59 AM on April 1, 2017 [8 favorites]
Badger: "Why?"
TSA Official: "It's not allowed in your carrion."
Badger: eye roll
posted by Devonian at 4:59 AM on April 1, 2017 [8 favorites]
Dad badger: What did the badger say when he found a bunch of free carrion?
Kid badger: No dad. Don't.
Dad badger: Hole-y cow!
Kid badger: Ugh.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 6:19 AM on April 1, 2017 [1 favorite]
Kid badger: No dad. Don't.
Dad badger: Hole-y cow!
Kid badger: Ugh.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 6:19 AM on April 1, 2017 [1 favorite]
This sounds kind of nightmarish to me. Like Tremors or something.
posted by rhamphorhynchus at 8:58 AM on April 1, 2017
posted by rhamphorhynchus at 8:58 AM on April 1, 2017
I will say I didn't expect the incredibly jaunty presentation of this grim task.
posted by OverlappingElvis at 11:00 AM on April 1, 2017
posted by OverlappingElvis at 11:00 AM on April 1, 2017
This sounds kind of nightmarish to me. Like Tremors or something.
I first watched Tremors when I was twelve or thirteen years old. At the time I thought that Kevin Bacon and his friend were depicted as truly hardscrabble modern frontiersmen. Out there in the grand American West they lived a tough but authentic life that just happened to involve human-eating dirt monsters.
Then I re-watched the movie as an adult and realized that the main characters and the dirt monsters (nicknamed "graboids" by the colorful local population) were both depicted with equal realism.
Even thought it will happily burrow through Pleistocene alluvium, this badger is not a graboid. It is Tremors' Kevin Bacon, but real, and much closer to how I imagined the character when I was a kid. It is a tough life, but authentic and rewarding (if you are a badger).
posted by compartment at 12:02 PM on April 1, 2017 [2 favorites]
I first watched Tremors when I was twelve or thirteen years old. At the time I thought that Kevin Bacon and his friend were depicted as truly hardscrabble modern frontiersmen. Out there in the grand American West they lived a tough but authentic life that just happened to involve human-eating dirt monsters.
Then I re-watched the movie as an adult and realized that the main characters and the dirt monsters (nicknamed "graboids" by the colorful local population) were both depicted with equal realism.
Even thought it will happily burrow through Pleistocene alluvium, this badger is not a graboid. It is Tremors' Kevin Bacon, but real, and much closer to how I imagined the character when I was a kid. It is a tough life, but authentic and rewarding (if you are a badger).
posted by compartment at 12:02 PM on April 1, 2017 [2 favorites]
I for one didn't realise badgers ate meat.
Yup, they're basically giant weasels; they'll eat what they can get, and aren't too picky about it.
American badgers are actually pretty disgusting because of it. In addition to stinking like hell and being really cranky pretty much all the time, they're full of all kinds of nasty parasites. Come to think of it, there's maybe a connection there.
Segue badger story: I once helped a friend lug an already sun-ripened roadkill badger up the mountain and tether it to a tree, figuring the crows/coyotes would pick it clean and we could get those cool claws. A week or so later we went back to check on it, only to discover that a bear had found it. Bears--like dogs--roll around in smelly things; our ursine buddy had snapped the rope and spread rotting badger around the entire clearing. I think my buddy still got some claws . . .
posted by aspersioncast at 4:51 PM on April 3, 2017
Yup, they're basically giant weasels; they'll eat what they can get, and aren't too picky about it.
American badgers are actually pretty disgusting because of it. In addition to stinking like hell and being really cranky pretty much all the time, they're full of all kinds of nasty parasites. Come to think of it, there's maybe a connection there.
Segue badger story: I once helped a friend lug an already sun-ripened roadkill badger up the mountain and tether it to a tree, figuring the crows/coyotes would pick it clean and we could get those cool claws. A week or so later we went back to check on it, only to discover that a bear had found it. Bears--like dogs--roll around in smelly things; our ursine buddy had snapped the rope and spread rotting badger around the entire clearing. I think my buddy still got some claws . . .
posted by aspersioncast at 4:51 PM on April 3, 2017
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posted by Earthtopus at 1:51 PM on March 31, 2017 [12 favorites]