Scientists studying badger's behavior in Cook County forest

ELGIN, Ill. (AP) - Wildlife biologists in the Chicago suburbs are tracking a badger captured in a forest preserve and implanted with a transmitter with hopes of learning about its health, habits and behaviors.

The Cook County Forest Preserve and Chicago Zoological Society, which runs Brookfield Zoo, are collaborating on the study. Cook County senior wildlife biologist Chris Anchor says he's seen four badgers in 30 years and it's "very unusual" to spot them in the Chicago area. He says they're understudied in urban and suburban areas and information that could be learned "is indispensable."

The (Elgin) Courier-News reports (http://trib.in/1LS0fZo ) biologists used a trap to capture the 3-year-old, 20-pound male badger and veterinarians surgically implanted the tracker. Veterinarians also took blood and tissue samples. The animal was then released near where it was found.

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Information from: The Courier-News, http://couriernews.chicagotribune.com/