A message on the topic of forest animals. Animal world of the forest. Canadian forests and groves
Geographically, the mixed forest zone occupies the territory between the tundra and the subtropical region. Both coniferous trees grow here - pines, larches, spruces, and deciduous trees - beeches, chestnuts, birches. The undergrowth, formed by dense bushes, is often difficult to pass through, and there is less snow under the trees, which allows animals to find some food here. Some of the animals living here hibernate, others travel long distances in search of food.
Winter in the forest.
In winter, cold, snow and short days prevent the growth and flowering of grasses and shrubs. Many herbivores, experiencing a lack of food, move to areas with a milder climate. Some animals prepare their burrows, dug in the ground or located in natural depressions (hollows, caves), in order to fall into a long sleep (hibernation), which will last all winter months, interrupted only by brief awakenings. Many holes are filled with food collected over the summer, but sometimes animals have enough subcutaneous fat, accumulated during the warm season, which allows them to survive long winter. There are also inhabitants of the forest who do not leave their habitable places and do not hibernate: they look for food in dense thickets, where there is less snow.
Many animals fill their holes with acorns and other food supplies.
In spring and summer, hares feed on young shoots, roots and tender grass, and in winter they are content with the bark of bushes and small trees.
In winter, the forest only seems uninhabited, but in fact it is full of life. Mammals and reptiles and amphibians only hid in their burrows, where they hibernated during the cold winter, waiting spring awakening nature.
The badger spends the winter in a hole underground. The cubs usually stay with their mother, but can also take refuge in their own burrow.
Canadian forests and groves.
Canada is located in the north of the American continent. big country, rich in forests. As you move north you can see how deciduous trees I am giving way to conifers, which are more resistant to severe winter cold.
Mostly carnivores live in these areas: common and silver foxes, wolves, wolverines, as well as bears, which often attack other animals, although they mainly feed on fruits.
The northern part of Canada is very vast and sparsely populated. There is poor communication and a harsh climate: only three months a year the temperature rises to + 10 0 C, and only during this period does nature wake up. The rest of the year, the struggling vegetation provides food for herbivores. Lakes, rivers and seas are covered with ice. In such conditions, few animals behave sedentary image life. The main mass migrates, moving south with the onset of autumn.
Animal world coniferous forests, in our opinion, the taiga is rich and diverse, especially when compared with its closest neighbor - the tundra. Almost all species of coniferous forest animals live here in great abundance and diversity: wolverine, chipmunk, sable, and lynx. Hares are numerous, squirrels are various small rodents are not calculable. Ungulates are represented by red and reindeer, elk and roe deer. No place in the world is home to so many fur-bearing inhabitants, who are probably the most common animals in the coniferous forests of Russia. Interestingly, the North American taiga is characterized by the same species as Eurasia.
The inhabitants of the taiga, due to the fact that they live in a rather cold climate, are highly susceptible to the influence of the changing seasons. Of course, than colder winter, the more beautiful the sable’s coat will be, but personally this brings little joy to him: the likelihood of being shot increases by orders of magnitude. And life in modern forest and it doesn't help good health– trees are cut down in the most unexpected places, and where yesterday you could have a hearty lunch, today there may be a bare wasteland. Apparently, in connection with this, many animals living in coniferous forests have adapted to fall into hibernation: Now the main task remains to eat well in the summer, gain fat and get comfortable for the winter. Brown bears choose their diet very responsibly, and it is quite varied. How do you like the combination of berries, nuts, worms, fish and small rodents? What do you dream about during hibernation?
Hello dear readers! I have prepared an article for you about coniferous forests. Here we will look at what coniferous forests are and learn a little about their flora and fauna, as well as about pressing problems. And so, let’s get started...The largest terrestrial biotope in the world - These are coniferous forests; they surround the northern part of the globe.
The evergreen trees of this vast zone, some 1,300 km wide, grow where the climate is too harsh for deciduous forest but too mild for tundra.
Coniferous forests occur naturally only in the northern hemisphere. They do not grow in the southern hemisphere: the continents here do not extend far enough south for there to be natural vegetation comparable to conifers. Tasmania, New Zealand and south South America covered with rain forests% and temperate zone, in which there are still coniferous trees. If the forest consists of at least 80% coniferous trees, only then is it considered coniferous.
Forest belt.
A strip of coniferous forests stretches from Scandinavia through the former USSR and further east to northern China. The northern border of the forests extends slightly beyond the Arctic Circle, and the southern strip reaches the 50th parallel in China. In Georgia, the Pyrenees, the Alps and along mountain range The Himalayas contain large areas of such forests.
The area of primeval forests in North America extends from east to west, mainly between areas north of the 40th parallel and south of Hudson Bay, only slightly extending beyond the Arctic Circle in Alaska and Canada. There are also large areas of coniferous forests in the south - along the Rocky Mountains (see types of mountains) on west coast and west of the prairies in the center of the continent.
In the north, coniferous forests border on ice desert and tundra, and sandy deserts and steppes in the south (in Asia). The term "taiga" has different meanings. Very often it is used to describe a coniferous forest. Some believe that the taiga is a coniferous forest, while others believe that it is the boundary that separates the forest from the tundra (also called a lichen massif in which species such as Cladonia, Xantboria and Romalina grow).
This northern border of the forest is a woodland, often of a park type, with separate standing trees and the tundra along the edge of the forest itself. This area is an ideal habitat for wild animals.
Types of forests.
Types of natural coniferous forests are divided into montane type and boreal type. Mountain types of forests can be found in mid-latitudes and tropical latitudes (for example, the Rocky Mountains, the Himalayas). Boreal forest types can be found in the moderately cold zone; these are subpolar forests with a predominance of coniferous species.
Asian and North American boreal forests contain a much greater diversity of conifers than European boreal forests.
The main groups of such forests are classified according to their needles. For example, spruce (Picea), fir (Abies), and juniper (Juniperus) have short and pointed needles, and all pines (Pinus) have tufts of long needles.
Cypress (Cbamaecyparis), cypress (Cupressus) and arborvitae (Thuja) have scale-like foliage.
Adaptation to cold.
Conifers are perfectly suited for harsh conditions living in the north, where 6-9 months of the year the temperature is below 6°C. The branches of coniferous trees are inclined so that the snow does not break them off, but slides down (in the north, snow falls from 380 to 635 mm per year). These trees have leaves in the form of scales or needles that are impregnated with resin, which prevents the cells from freezing.
The only deciduous conifers are the Chinese false larch (Pseudolarix) and the European larch (Lrix), they shed their needles annually.
Thanks to their gusty fibers, which allow trees to sway and bend without splintering, most conifers can withstand winds. For example, giant and evergreen sequoia(Sequoiadendron giganteum and Sequoia sempervirens), but they also, in addition, have a fire-resistant bark that protects them from forest fires, which quite often rage.
Such bark is also characteristic of Banks pine (Pinus banksiana) and white-trunk pine (Pinus albicaulis).
Not all trees are protected from destructive fire. For some of them it may even be useful. For example, the cones of pines (Pinus attenuate) open only in fire. Sometimes they can sit for up to 30 years, and when a forest fire happens and heats them up, they burst and release seeds that sprout in the carbon-rich conflagration. Fast growing young shoots are colored green dark forest floor. It turns out that trees that have dropped their cones may die, but new shoots will rise from the ashes.”
Due to the accumulation of resinous needles, the litter of coniferous forests is often acidic. This also happens due to a lack of decay and the return of nutrients to the cycle (this happens in sparse deciduous forests).
A number of plants grow from layers of pine needles - Soldanella spp and Hepatica. Large areas of land are covered with sphagnum (peat moss), and ferns and green mosses grow on the trunks of fallen trees.
Also, not only algae, mosses and ferns love old wood and lower pine branches, but these places are also favored by some types of flowering plants, including blueberries, blueberries and alpine clematis.
Also, wet coniferous forests are very attractive for mushrooms such as the common vesel. Exactly bad smell These mushrooms can be felt in most pine forests.
The yellow witch's broom is another interesting one forest plant unusual shape with brightly colored flowers.
Year-round growth.
Conifers belong to evergreens, which means they can grow all year round and participate in photosynthesis. Using, at the same time, the available minimum of light energy. Before deciduous trees, this is precisely their advantage.
Conifers, in addition, have superficial roots. This is an important factor considering that the deeper layers of the soil are permanently frozen. This is permafrost (more details in). Its age can be several thousand years, its thickness can reach 550 m. In Alaska, for example, 85% of the territory is covered with such a layer. Permafrost in Siberia occupies 10 million km 2, which is two-thirds of the area.
At first glance, the generally harsh coniferous forests are rich in animals, but the diversity of their species is relatively small. They live here reindeer(or caribou) and numerous herds of elk. These species can also be found in Asia (about the part of the world Asia), Europe (about the part of the world Europe) and North America (about North America). These phytophagous animals are herbivores. Deer eat lichens in winter and grasses in summer; as for moose, they eat woody plants in winter and aquatic plants in summer.
The growth of lichens on the ground and on trees is facilitated by the relatively clean environment of the boreal forest, and this provides food for deer. Adult male caribou (deer), with good nutrition can reach a height of up to 2.1 meters and a weight of 817 kg (horns weigh 23 kg). The coniferous forests of both continents are also home to bears, lynxes, wolves (carnivores), beavers, lemmings and red squirrels (herbivores).
Such a large mammal as the puma or cougar lives only in North America. In the past, this species was mercilessly exterminated in the USA (read about the USA), this was due to the fact that a reward was assigned for the head of each animal. Habitat Ussuri tiger became the coniferous forests of Asia. This species is now on the verge of extinction.
The most common and very small species of mammals that inhabit the coniferous forests of the planet is the common squirrel. It feeds on the seeds of pine cones.
Huge piles of empty pine cones indicate that there is a squirrel larder somewhere nearby.
Forest insects.
Coniferous forests are filled with clouds of insects in summer and spring. They spend winters in hibernation. Red forest ants build large anthills (up to 1 m high) from pine needles and bask on summer sun outside.
The butterfly mourning plant is found most often in the coniferous forests of the world. It's attractive and big butterfly. Its adults hibernate in winter and breed on willows. You can often see such butterflies flying in forest clearings and clearings.
Border areas of forests and open forests are preferred by nigella. Typically, such butterflies have colored wings dark color with brown-red splashes, this allows them to absorb scanty solar heat northern latitudes.
Some alpine butterflies are extremely inactive - they gather in “warm” caves facing south, and do not fly, but crawl along the ground so that they are not blown away from their habitats by the wind.
The litter of coniferous forests, in comparison with deciduous forests, is poor in insects. This can be explained by the fact that here, as a rule, it is gloomy and dark, there is not enough light and there is no layer of bushes. For many animals, insects are an important source of food. But dark places without variety wild plants, from which you can get food, insects are not attracted.
Therefore, insects here are represented only by beetles, the larvae of which develop in the rotting wood of fallen trees.
Forest birds.
Owls and woodpeckers find shelter in the hollows of old pine trees. Woodpeckers also find enough beetle larvae here to feed their families. The Icelandic goldeneye and Carolina duck live in North America and often nest in trees. The Icelandic goldeneye often occupies old woodpecker nests.
Birds prefer the forest canopy because this is often where the seed-containing cones of coniferous trees are located.
Spruce crossbills and various types tits, which specialize in shelling seeds and cracking nuts, have special shape beak. They often gather in small flocks and groups. Crossbills, when feeding their chicks, often regurgitate hundreds of seeds that they swallowed during devastating raids on the forest canopy.
Forest and man.
The coniferous forests of the Earth originally appeared as a result of natural evolutionary processes. Most areas of coniferous vegetation show signs of deforestation - forest clearing and felling. This is the result of intensive human use of these natural habitats.
This is done for a number of reasons: to obtain valuable timber, to clear land for arable land, to lay roads and arrange their infrastructure.
20% of the world's forest stand (standing forest) was located in the territory former USSR. Siberia accounted for one fifth of the Earth's forest reserves. But, unfortunately, for recent years Deforestation here was carried out at an alarming rate. This happened in connection with the extraction of gas and oil, as well as the harvesting of timber.
Although commercial forestry is widely practiced in some areas (the Alps, for example), not all cleared coniferous forests will be restored. But the highlands of North America and Europe (where coniferous forests had not previously grown) began to be planted coniferous species. Today there are substantial forest areas in these areas.
The main purpose of growing coniferous forests is to provide a stable source of lumber for the construction industry and wood for paper production.
Grow large areas trees of the same species is contrary to natural processes.
This generates environmental problem: pests such as woodworms, pine cutworms, and black rootworm cause devastating damage to forest plantations. Because their caterpillar larvae deprive trees of needles.
You have to pay for artificial plantings. This is fraught with the loss of other habitats and the associated decrease in the number of species of wild animals that previously lived in this area.
Caledonian pine forest – this is all that remains of Scotland's boreal forests. It is located on the west coast. Scots pine lives here - trees twisted by the wind and twisted with age.
New plantings, which are already several decades old, resemble an ancient forest. But it will take a long time before diversity and typical types of fauna and flora for such forests appear.
Man-made and natural coniferous forests differ from each other in many ways.
Acid rain is another problem of coniferous forests. Acid rain (more details) is caused by pollutants that are released into the atmosphere. The most destructive component acid rain is sulfuric acid. It is formed when sulfur-containing pollutants (mainly products of coal combustion) combine with rainwater. This acid is destructive to pine needles!
That’s all for now 🙂 I really hope that my article helped you and gave you the answers you were looking for! All the best!
From September 15 to 17, Russia celebrates one of the largest environmental holidays - Russian days forests. As you know, forests are not only lungs of the planet and a pantry of various berries, mushrooms and medicinal herbs, but also home to many amazing animals. In this regard, we are telling you about some rare animals that live in Russian forests.
1. Musk deer.
This small deer-like animal with fangs lives in the mountain coniferous forests of the Sayans, Altai, Transbaikalia and Primorye. Despite its terrifying appearance, the musk deer feeds exclusively on vegetation. However, the musk deer is notable not only for this, but also for its attractive smell, which lures females for mating. This smell appears due to the musk gland located in the male’s belly next to the genitourinary canal.
As you know, musk is a valuable component of various medicines and perfumes. And it is precisely because of this that musk deer often become the prey of hunters and poachers. Another reason why this unusual animal is considered an endangered species is that the boundaries of its range are shrinking, which is associated with increased human economic activity (mainly deforestation).
One of the solutions to the problem of preserving the species in wildlife is farm breeding of musk deer and selection of musk from living males.
2. Japanese green pigeon.
This unusual bird, about 33 cm long and weighing approximately 300 grams, has a bright yellowish-green color. It is common in Southeast Asia, but also found in Sakhalin region(Crillon Peninsula, Moneron Islands and South Kuril Islands). The bird inhabits deciduous and mixed forests with an abundance of cherry and bird cherry trees, elderberry bushes and other plants, the fruits of which it feeds on.
Japanese green dove is a rare species, and therefore little is known about its life. Today scientists know that green pigeons are monogamous birds. They weave their nests from thin twigs and place them in trees at a height of up to 20 meters. It is believed that partners hatch eggs in turns for 20 days. And after this, helpless, down-covered chicks are born, which will learn to fly only after five weeks. However, pairs or flocks of green pigeons are rarely seen in Russia; most often they are noticed alone.
3. Far Eastern, or Amur leopards.
Even at the beginning of the 20th century, there were much more rare cats, and their range covered a considerable territory - the eastern and northeastern parts of China, the Korean Peninsula, the Amur, Primorsky and Ussuri territories. However, between 1970 and 1983, the Far Eastern leopard lost 80% of its territory! The main reasons then were forest fires and converting forest areas for agriculture.
Today, the Amur leopard continues to lose its territory and also suffers from a lack of food. After all, roe deer, sika deer and other ungulates, which this leopard hunts, are killed in huge numbers by poachers. And since the Far Eastern leopard has beautiful fur, it itself is a very desirable trophy for poachers.
Also due to the lack of suitable food in the wild Far Eastern leopards are forced to go looking for her in reindeer herding farms. There, predators are often killed by the owners of these farms. And on top of that, due to the small size of the population of Amur leopards, it will be very difficult for representatives of the subspecies to survive during various disasters like a fire.
However, all this does not mean that the subspecies will soon disappear. Today there are still large areas of forest that provide suitable habitat for the Far Eastern leopard. And if these areas can be preserved and protected from fires and poaching, then the population of these amazing animals in the wild will increase.
Interestingly, Far Eastern leopards are the only leopards that were able to learn to live and hunt in conditions harsh winter. By the way, it helps them with this long wool, as well as strong and long legs, which allow you to catch up with prey while moving through the snow. However, Amur leopards not only good hunters, but also exemplary family men. Indeed, sometimes males stay with females after mating and even help them with raising kittens, which, in principle, is not typical for leopards.
4. Alkina.
These butterflies live in the southwest of Primorsky Krai and are found along streams and rivers in mountain forests, where the food plant of the caterpillars of the species, the Manchurian liana, grows. Most often, male butterflies fly to the flowers of this plant, and females most of sitting in the grass for a while. Alkinoe females tend to linger on this plant to lay eggs on its leaves.
Today, due to the disturbance of the Kirkazon habitat and its collection as medicinal plant its quantity in nature decreases, which, of course, affects the number of alkynoe. On top of everything else, butterflies suffer because they are collected by collectors.
5. Bison.
Previously, these animals were widespread in the territory of the former USSR, but by the beginning of the 20th century they survived only in Belovezhskaya Pushcha and in the Caucasus. However, even there their numbers were steadily declining. For example, by 1924, only 5-10 bison remained in the Caucasus. The main reasons for the decline of bison were their extermination by hunters and poachers, as well as destruction during military operations.
The restoration of their numbers began in 1940 in Caucasian Nature Reserve, and now bison inhabit two regions in Russia - North Caucasus and the center of the European part. In the North Caucasus, bison live in Kabardino-Balkaria, North Ossetia, Chechnya, Ingushetia and the Stavropol Territory. And in the European part there are isolated herds of bison in the Tver, Vladimir, Rostov and Vologda regions.
Bison have always been inhabitants of deciduous and mixed forests, but avoided extensive forest areas. In the Western Caucasus, these animals live mainly at an altitude of 0.9 - 2.1 thousand meters above sea level, often going out into clearings or treeless slopes, but never moving away from forest edges.
By appearance The bison is very reminiscent of its American relative, the bison. Nevertheless, it is still possible to distinguish them. First of all, the bison has a higher hump and longer horns and tail than the bison. And in the hot months, the back of the bison is covered with very short hair (it even seems that it is bald), while the bison has hair of the same length all over its body at any time of the year.
The bison is listed in the Red Book of Russia as an endangered species and today lives in many nature reserves and zoos.
6. Fish owl.
This species settles along river banks in Far East from Magadan to the Amur region and Primorye, as well as on Sakhalin and the Southern Kuril Islands. The fish owl prefers to live in the hollows of old trees with an abundance of aquatic prey nearby, however, old forests and hollow trees are often cut down, which inevitably displaces these birds from their habitats. In addition, fish owls are caught by poachers, and they often fall into traps while trying to pull the bait out of them. The development of water tourism on the Far Eastern rivers and, consequently, increased disturbance of these birds gradually leads to a decrease in the number of eagle owls and interferes with their reproduction. All this has led to the fact that today this species is endangered.
The fish owl is one of the largest owls in the world, as well as the largest member of its genus. Interestingly, these birds can hunt with two in different ways. Most often, the fish eagle looks for fish while sitting on a stone in the river, from the shore or from a tree hanging over the river. Having noticed the prey, the eagle owl dives into the water and instantly grabs it with its sharp claws. And when this predator tries to catch sedentary fish, crayfish or frogs, it simply enters the water and probes the bottom with its paw in search of prey.
7. Giant noctule.
This bat, the largest in Russia and Europe, lives in deciduous forests in the territory from the western borders of our country to the Orenburg region, as well as from the northern borders to the Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod regions. There they settle in tree hollows, 1-3 individuals each, in colonies of others bats(usually red and lesser noctules).
The giant noctule is rare species, however, ecologists do not know exactly what is causing their low numbers. According to scientists, deforestation poses a threat deciduous forests. However, today there are no special measures to protect these animals, since it is not clear what measures will be effective.
Interestingly, these bats hunt large beetles and moths while flying over forest edges and reservoirs. However, analysis of blood and droppings showed that these animals also feed on small birds during migrations, however, this has never been recorded.
8. Heavenly barbel.
In Russia, in the south of the Primorsky Territory (in the Terneysky, Ussuriysky, Shkotovsky, Partizansky and Khasansky districts) a beetle with a bright blue color lives. It lives in broadleaf forests mainly in the wood of the greenbark maple. There the female beetle lays eggs, and after about half a month the larvae appear. They develop in the wood for about 4 years, and then, in June, the larva gnaws out the “cradle” and pupates. After about 20 days, the beetle emerges from the wood and immediately begins to reproduce. He will spend all his strength on this for the rest of his life, which lasts only two weeks.
The barbel is listed in the Red Book of Russia as a rare species whose numbers are declining. According to environmentalists, the reason for this is deforestation and a sharp decrease in the number of greenbark maples.
9. Himalayan, or white-breasted bear.
The Ussuri white-breasted bear inhabits broadleaf forests Primorsky Krai, southern regions Khabarovsk Territory and southeastern part Amur region. Until 1998, it was listed in the Red Book of Russia as a rare species, and today it is a hunting species. However, if in the 90s its population was 4-7 thousand individuals, now this bear is on the verge of extinction (its population is up to 1 thousand individuals). The reason for this was, first of all, deforestation and mass hunting. The latter, by the way, was discussed during the international environmental forum “Nature without Borders” in Vladivostok, after which in 2006 a decision was made in the Primorsky Territory to introduce restrictions on hunting for Himalayan bear during hibernation.
The white-breasted bear leads a semi-arboreal lifestyle: in trees it obtains food and hides from enemies (these are mainly Amur tigers and brown bears). Almost the entire diet of this bear consists of plant foods, in particular nuts, fruits and berries, as well as shoots, bulbs and rhizomes. It also does not refuse to feast on ants, insects, mollusks and frogs.
10. Black stork
A widespread but rare species, the number of which is declining due to human economic activity, manifested in deforestation and drainage of swamps. Today the bird is found in forests from Kaliningrad and Leningrad regions to Southern Primorye. The black stork prefers to settle near bodies of water in deep, old forests.
Exactly there, on the old tall trees(and sometimes on rock ledges) black storks build nests, which they will then use for several years. When the time comes to invite the female to the nest (around the end of March), the male fluffs up his white undertail and begins to emit a hoarse whistle. The eggs laid by the female (from 4 to 7 pieces) will be incubated by the partners in turn until the chicks hatch from them after 30 days.
Everyone has long known that forests are the “lungs” of our planet. It is the forest that purifies the air and supplies it with oxygen, and also protects the earth from drought. It is quite difficult to describe all the benefits that forests bring to us in a nutshell. It is impossible to imagine anything more delightful than a walk through a sunny, light birch meadow or through a fabulous, mysterious spruce forest. A forest is a place where animals, birds, and insects live. Animals living in the forest get along well in the same territory, despite the fact that among them there are harmless animals and there are also predators.
Animals of Russian forests
From Eurasia to North America There are vast taiga, coniferous forests that are not afraid of either frost or crazy heat. Firs, pines, larches, and cedars grow there, and under them moss and grass grow green. These forests are a real haven for avid mushroom pickers. Since they are rich in berries and mushrooms. In the taiga forests you can see a sable, a marten making its way through thickets of bushes, a shaggy wolverine, a hare running away from a wolf, and also a fox. Many animals of the Russian forest prefer to live in the thicket, since poachers have already mastered the outskirts and frightened them with their shots. In secluded places, bears hibernate for the winter.
You can meet elk or deer. Autumn is especially beautiful in mixed forests. Trees dress in yellow, red, orange outfits. They seem to be wrapped in golden shawls. The smell of withered grass is in the air. And, if you look at the sky, you can see the keys of birds that fly away to warmer climes. But this does not mean at all that winter time there are no birds at all. Here is a tit singing loudly, red-breasted, tufted bullfinches are jumping merrily on a branch. It is only at first glance that the forest seems asleep and deserted. In order to find out which animals in mixed forest usually live, you just need to look around carefully.
Raccoon
Raccoons are unique and interesting animals. They are wrapped in thick, long and fluffy fur, and on their muzzle there is a black stripe between the eyes. Raccoons are not at all afraid of water and are excellent swimmers. They love to catch fish, crabs and crayfish. Probably the most popular among raccoons is the striped raccoon. He got his nickname because before eating food, he rinses it in water for a long time. By nature, raccoons are quite curious. Raccoons prefer not to gather in packs, but the exception is in places where there is a lot of food. With the onset of winter, raccoons hide in holes or hollows and sleep. And when spring comes, small cubs appear, which will not leave the hole for 2 whole months. They are under the care of their parents for a whole year.
Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are dressed in a coat of sharp, prickly needles. She protects them from all attackers. As soon as they sense danger, hedgehogs instantly turn into a small prickly ball. But when it’s safe, a smart little face with a black nose and beady eyes appears to the world. Hedgehogs puff, snort and make funny sounds. During the day they sleep, huddled in a hole, and in the evening they look for food. In autumn, hedgehogs eat a lot and store fat for hibernation. Then they dig a hole under the stump, take leaves and grass there and go to bed. In spring, small hedgehogs are born. They have soft needles that look like wool. But until the kids grow up, they never leave their mother’s side. Hedgehogs are very useful. They exterminate harmful insects and mice.
Elk
Looking out what animals live in the forest, you will certainly notice a moose. He has a massive, large body, and on it there is a scruff, very similar to a hump. The body is covered with thick, warm wool, which protects from frost. These animals have very well developed hearing. Moose can run fast and, if necessary, swim or even dive. The moose's head is decorated with wide, large antlers. In winter, animals shed their main decoration, and in summer they grow new ones. Moose are very brave and strong. They are not afraid of wolves or bears. In the spring, the mother elk gives birth to her cubs. Moose are amazing animals.
Mongoose
Mongooses have a flexible, long body on which a head with ears is located. They slightly resemble a marten or a cat. When approaching prey, the mongoose bends its whole body. Its fur practically merges with the dense thickets. Thanks to agility, quick reaction and courage, the mongoose defends itself from enemies. The animals live in long burrows or in thickets. This is where babies are born. Mongooses live mainly in families, and the mongoose father is responsible for raising children. In case of danger, the cubs are protected by the whole family.
Deer
Not all animals living in the forest stand out for their beauty or strength. But this statement does not apply to deer at all. They are beautiful and strong and noble. Like moose, their heads are decorated with branched antlers. Deer have well-developed hearing and sense of smell. Deer live on mountain slopes, in thickets of bushes, or in clearings with thick grass. They prefer to live in herds. The biggest enemy of deer is the wolf. The means of protection for a deer are strong hooves and antlers. Cubs are born spotted, but this goes away with age. The mother protects her cubs and talks to them.
Wolf
The wolf is the main character of many fairy tales. Wolves are slightly larger than the average dog. The body is covered with thick, warm, gray fur. These are very smart, cunning, and brave animals. Wolves hunt in packs. They ambush and attack their prey. Despite their cruelty, wolves are very caring and good parents.
Fox
Lisa is very beautiful. She has a warm, beautiful, red fur coat and a long, fluffy tail. She is very smart, cunning and dexterous. When she is in danger, she can run very fast. The fox's main delicacy is mice, hares, birds, fruits, and berries. She has very well developed hearing and sense of smell. In order to breed offspring, the fox digs holes. Fox cubs are very curious, but they listen to their mother unquestioningly.
Sable
Sable is very beautiful, dexterous and fast beast. Lives among snags and fallen trees. He has a strong flexible body and a fluffy little tail. Sable fur is very beautiful, thick and warm. It goes hunting both night and day. In the spring it gives birth to offspring. Nowadays, sable hunting is prohibited.
Badger
The body of a badger is covered with fur. He prefers to feast on bumblebee honey, beetles and worms. Before the onset of cold weather, the badger must accumulate fat reserves. Since he is going to sleep in a hole all winter. Badgers are very clean and tidy animals that carefully and carefully look after their offspring.
Brown bear
Considering what animals usually live in a mixed forest, one cannot fail to note brown bear. He is practically the king of the forest thicket. Bears have enormous strength. The body is covered with a warm, thick, brown fur coat. At first glance, bears may seem clumsy, but they are not. They are very agile, fast and silent running. Bears love berries, fish, insects and fruits. They winter in dens. This is where the cubs are born.