Hey grumpy badger why are you upset?

I don't like humans encroaching on my den. I want my family safe and not all humans respect our homes. So I am grumpy — deal with it. If you don't like me you can move.

Well there are things I can accommodate and some things I can't. My house is just over there and I cannot move it. We are neighbors but we will get along — someday you will learn to trust me.

Never in all my years will I trust a human. Humans for years have given us loads of fears.

I do understand it can be a difficult thing to trust when we've been hurt. For today I leave it. Hello and goodbye.

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Hey grumpy badger — oh no, you look dead. Are you hurt?

I'm not dead you idiot. You're giving me away. Sometimes when a predator lurks it is better to be silent as the grave.

I understand. Sometimes being a little actor can help when something dangerous is near — or just being silent can help you hide. But there are no predators I can see.

Says you, but I see one.

Where?

Go look in a mirror.

Ah, you still don't trust me. I get it. Well, in time you will.

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Hey grumpy badger, sometimes you sure let out a stink.

If you won't go, get used to it — for when I protect my mate I send predators away with wrinkled noses.

Well a fart has been known to clear rooms, so I get it. You still don't trust me but that is okay. Stink it up when you feel a need.

I will. And yes, I do not trust yet — but honestly this time it wasn't you. You really should leave for your safety too.

I will leave, but thanks for that. Trust takes time when you've been hurt and I will earn it with you a step at a time. You can be grumpy and let me know you're hurt or scared. We will get along given time. And though I can't change everyone or say you are wrong for your fears — with me I can earn your trust one day at a time.
Maybe you will.... maybe someday.