SMALL WILD ANIMALS

Badger

Badgers have rather short, fat bodies, with short legs built for digging. Their ears are small, and they have elongated weasel-like heads, their tails vary in length depending on species, the stink badger has a very short tail, while the ferret badger's tail can be 18 to 20 inches (46 to 51 cm) long, depending on age. They have black faces with distinctive white markings, their bodies are gray with a light-colored stripe from their head to their tail, they have dark legs with light colored stomachs. They grow to around 35 inches (89 cm) in length including tail. The European badger is one of the largest; the American badger, the hog badger and the honey badger are similar in size and weight, though generally a little smaller and lighter. The stink badgers are smaller still, and the ferret badgers are the smallest of all. The behavior of badgers differs by family, but all shelter underground, living in burrows called setts, which may be very extensive. Some are solitary, moving from home to home, while others are known to form clans. Clan size is variable from two to 15.

 

Nice stamps.

Received from: HoopsandYoyo

 

European Polecat

It is of a generally dark brown colour, with a pale underbelly and a dark mask across the face. Occasionally, colour mutations, including albinos and erythrists, occur. The winter fur of the European polecat is brownish-black or blackish-brown, the intensity of which is determined by the colour of the long guard hairs. Compared to weasels and minks, the polecat has a shorter, more compact body, a more powerfully built skull and dentition, and is less agile in its movements. The polecat is a good swimmer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Received from: tav

Marmot

Marmots typically live in burrows (often within rockpiles, particularly in the case of the yellow-bellied marmot), and hibernate there through the winter. Most marmots are highly social, and use loud whistles to communicate with one another, especially when alarmed. Marmots mainly eat greens and many types of grasses, berries, lichens, mosses, roots and flowers.

 

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Received from: Anja74

Squirrel

Squirrels belong to a large family of small or medium-sized rodents called the Sciuridae. Squirrels live in almost every habitat from tropical rainforest to semiarid desert, avoiding only the high polar regions and the driest of deserts. They are predominantly herbivorous, subsisting on seeds and nuts, but many will eat insects and even small vertebrates. As their large eyes indicate, squirrels generally have an excellent sense of vision, which is especially important for tree-dwelling species. They also have very versatile and sturdy claws for grasping and climbing. Many also have a good sense of touch, with vibrissae on their heads and limbs. The teeth of sciurids follow the typical rodent pattern, with large gnawing incisors that grow throughout life

 

 

Nice stamps.

Received from: Ere

 

 

A nice stamp.

Received from: Furiosa

 

 

Hedgehog

The European hedgehog, or common hedgehog, is a hedgehog species found in northern and western Europe. It is a common and well-known species, and is a favourite in European gardens, both for its unique, cute appearance and its insectivorous habits. The European hedgehog is found in woodland, meadows and grassland, favouring border areas between these various habitats. Now, few hedgehogs reside in truly wild, remote regions. Instead they frequent the green edges of areas inhabited by humans. They are common in orchards, vineyards, farmland, parks and gardens, including those in urban areas.

 

 

 

A nice stamp.

Received from: Eemelii