Animal information
The squirrel is a small, fluffy animal that lives in our forests and gardens, but you can also spot it in the village. It has reddish-brown or grey fur and a long, bushy tail that helps it keep its balance when jumping from tree to tree. Squirrels are very agile climbers and love to romp around in trees. In autumn, squirrels collect nuts and acorns, which they hide in burrows or under leaves to have something to eat in winter. They are also very curious and are good at jumping to get to food. Squirrels are active during the day and sleep in nests that they build in the trees. Although they are very cautious, they are also quite trusting when they feel safe.
The marmot is a small, roundish animal that lives in the mountains. It has brown fur and a thick body, which helps it to keep warm. Marmots dig large underground burrows where they can sleep and hide from predators. Marmots are very active in spring and summer. They mainly eat grass, flowers and herbs. If they sense danger, such as an eagle flying in the sky or a fox in the immediate vicinity, they whistle loudly to warn their family. In autumn, the marmots get ready for winter. They eat a lot so that they have enough fat to survive the long, six-month hibernation. During the winter, they sleep deep in their burrows, snuggled up close to each other, and only wake up again in spring.
The red fox is a cunning and agile animal that lives in forests and fields. It has a beautiful, reddish coat, a white belly and a bushy tail. The red fox is omnivorous, which means that it eats both meat and plants. Its diet includes small animals such as mice and birds, as well as fruit, berries and insects. Red foxes are particularly active at dusk or at night when it is quieter. They are very skilful and are good at hunting and hiding. Their keen hearing and good nose help them to find prey. The red fox lives in a den (a well-hidden burrow), which it often digs in ditches in a forest. There it feels safe and can sleep in peace.
The golden eagle is the second largest bird of prey in Switzerland after the bearded vulture. It is large and strong and lives in the mountains and on high cliffs. It has brown plumage and a light-coloured head, which makes it particularly striking. With its long wings and strong talons, the golden eagle is an excellent hunter. It flies very high and can see from the air, even from three kilometres away, exactly where small animals such as mice or rabbits are hiding. Golden eagles build their nests, also known as eyries, in the highest trees or on steep cliffs. This is where they lay their eggs, from which the little eagles later hatch. The parents lovingly look after their offspring and teach them how to hunt. Golden eagles are known for their great strength and speed - they can even swoop down on their prey at lightning speed with their sharp talons!
The roe deer is a small, graceful animal that lives in forests and meadows. It has brown fur with white spots and is very active, especially in spring and summer. Roe deer are herbivores and eat grasses, leaves, fruit and flowers. They have very good ears and a fine nose, which enables them to recognise danger at an early stage. Roe deer are often out and about at dusk and at night, as they are safer then and less threatened by predators such as wolves or foxes. The male, the roebuck, often lives alone and the females with their offspring (doe and fawns) in small groups. In winter, their fur becomes thicker to keep them warm. Roe deer are very shy and flee quickly if they feel threatened, but they are also very skilful and can jump well and run fast.
The chamois is a clever and agile animal that lives in the mountains. It has brown fur, black stripes on its legs and long, narrow horns that are curved backwards and very pointed. Chamois are very good climbers and can run quickly up and down steep rocks and high mountains. They eat grass, herbs and moss that they find in the Alps. Chamois usually live in small groups and are particularly active in the early morning or late afternoon. They are very cautious and always watch out for possible dangers, such as a hunter or a wolf. If they sense danger, they warn their herd with a shrill, hissing whistle and flee at lightning speed, leaping over the rocks with great leaps. Chamois are known to be very well adapted to their environment and to survive even in difficult mountain regions and weather conditions.
The ibex is a large, powerful animal that lives in the mountains. It has brown fur and impressively large, sabre-like horns. In males, which you can also recognise by their beards, these can be over a metre long and weigh up to six kilos. Ibex are excellent climbers and can even jump over very steep rocks and cliffs without falling. They eat grass, herbs and moss that they find in the Alps. Ibex live in groups, with males and females often separated. In winter, they can adapt to the cold weather by thickening their fur. If an ibex senses danger, it leaps onto the rocks with great leaps and can thus escape quickly. Ibexes are very skilful and strong and are among the best climbers in the mountains.