WHITE-TAILED DEER

ORDER
Artiodactyla
FAMILY
Cervidae
GROUP 1: MAMMALS
GENUS & SPECIES
Odocoileus virginianus
The white-tailed deer is best known for the distinctive patch of
white fur beneath its tail. This "flag," as it is called, is clearly
visible when the deer is running.
----N
Ii]
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Height to shoulder: Male,
2 ~ - 3 ft. Female, sl ightly smaller.
Weight: Male, up to 300 lb.
Female, up to 250 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: Female, 1 year.
Male, 2 years or more.
Mating: Late summer/early fall.
Gestation: 8 months.
No. of young: 1-2, depending on
age of female.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Solitary or lives in groups
of about 6. May gather in herds
during severe winters.
Range of the white-tailed deer.
DISTRIBUTION
Diet: Grasses, leaves, shoots,
twigs, fruit, and flowers of a wide
variety of plants.
Found in North and Central America and northern areas of
South America down to Peru and Brazil. Introduced into
parts of New Zealand and Scandinavia.
CONSERVATION
lifespan: About 10 years in the
wild and 20 in captivity.
RELATED SPECIES
Related to the mule deer,
Odocoileus hemionus.
The white-tailed deer is in no danger of extinction, and is
flourishing throughout its range.
FEATURES OF THE WHITE-TAILED DEER
_--- Antlers: The male has antlers that
Female:
Smaller than
male. Does not
have antlers.
Fawn: Brown
fur with white
spots helps to
camouflage the
young deer.
MCMXCI IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM
divide into two branches curving for-
ward and inward. They are shed in
winter and grow again before the
mating season.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
White tail:
When alarmed,
the deer leaps
in the air,
exposing the
white marking
under its tail.
This warns
other deer of
the danger.
0160200411 PACKET41
The white-tailed deer, also known as the Virginia deer,
is a slender and graceful animal that lives in
fairly open wooded country. Adult male deer shed
their impressive antlers in winter each year and
then regrow them before the mating season.

The white-tailed deer lives
alone or in small groups most
of the year. The groups may
be one or two females with
their young, or they may be
bachelor groups of six or seven
males. In severe winters up to
50 deer will gather together
for protection from the cold.
The male can be territorial,
especially if food is scarce.
The deer relies on its well-
developed senses of hearing,
smell, and sight to detect dan-
ger from predators. While it
feeds, its sight is often blocked
by vegetation, so it raises its
head to take a look around
every few minutes.
When it is alarmed, the deer
stares toward the place where
the danger seems to be and
rotates its ears toward the
source of danger.
FOOD &: FEEDING
The white-tailed deer feeds on
grasses and the shoots, leaves,
twigs, fruits, and flowers of a
number of herbs, shrubs, and
trees. There are seasonal varia-
tions in its diet, depending on
the location and availability of
various plants.
When food is scarce in win-
ter, especially in the northern
parts of its range, the deer
may use more energy than it
can gain from feeding and
lose weight as a result. Studies
of white-tailed deer in captiv-
ity show that they can reduce
their food intake in winter in
order to conserve energy.
Left: In winter when grasses,
fruits, and berries are scarce,
the white-tailed deer strips the
branches of small trees and
shrubs to obtain enough food
to survive.
Above: Males
fight to defend
their mates
from the ad-
vances of other
males. These
contests can
turn into sav-
age battles
with antlers
used as
weapons.

Mating takes place in late
summer/early fall. When the
female is receptive, the male
enters a period of sexual ex-
citement known as the rut.
After mating he leaves the
female to fend for herself.
After a gestation period of
eight months, the female
gives birth to one or two
spotted fawns. Young females
usually produce one off-
spring, but mature females
may bear two or even three.
Fawns can stand and walk
after birth, but they remain
hidden in a cover of vegeta-
tion for the first few weeks.
They emerge only when the
female returns to feed them.
Females can reach sexual
maturity in one year, but
males are not fully mature
until at least two years of age.
Above left: This white-tailed
fawn is only 18 minutes old. It
relies on its mother for protection
and will remain with her for one
or two years.
left: These white-tailed deer are
moving through the Louisiana
swamps to meet other deer with
whom they will spend the winter.
DID YOU KNOW?
The white-tailed deer is
covered with fur except
on part of its muzzle.
Aside from humans,
the greatest enemy of
the white-tailed deer is
the puma.
In Asian countries the
velvet covering from a
deer's antlers is believed
to be an aphrodisiac.
RED HOWLER MONKEY
ORDER
Primates
FAMILY
Cebidae
CARD 172
GROUP 1: MAMMALS
GENUS &: SPECIES
A/ouatta senicu/us
The red howler monkey announces its presence in the early
morning and evening with a call that is reputedly the
loudest sound made by any land animal.
KEY FACTS
- - - - - - - - - ~ ~ - - - - - - -
SIZES
Head and body length: Male,
1 ~ - 2 ~ ft. Female, 1 ~ - 2 ft.
Tail length: 1 ~ - 2 ~ ft.
Weight: Male, 14 lb. Female,
10 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 3 ~ - 4 years.
Mating season: Any t ime of year.
Gestation: 4 ~ months.
No. of young: 1. Female gives
birth every 2 years.
LIFESTYLE Range of the red howler monkey.
DISTRIBUTION
Habits: Day-active. Lives in
troops of varying numbers.
Diet: Leaves, fruit, flowers, nuts,
and seeds. Occasionally small
mammals, reptiles, and birds.
Lifespan: Not known.
Found from northern Colombia and the Guianas, south to
the Amazon. Also from the Andes east to Rio Madiera and
south to central Bolivia.
Call: Extremely loud howl.
CONSERVATION
RELATED SPECIES
There are 6 howler monkeys in
the genus.
Unlike some howler monkeys, the red howler is not listed
as endangered. But its future is precarious as long as the
destruction of the South American rainforests continues.
FEATURES OF THE RED HOWLER
MONKEY
Coat: Long and
silky with a
bright reddish
gold color.
Face: Naked,
f ramed by fur
with protruding
muzzle and
squashed nose.
Arms and legs: Long but robust. The
fully developed hands are very
strong and dexterous.
Tail : Long and muscular, adapted for
gripping branches. Heavily furred
except for the underside of the end
third, which is naked.
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OTHER HOWLERS
Black howler: Black male and
light brown female. Has a quieter
call than the red howler.
0160200421 PACKET 42
The red howler monkey lives in troops high in the forest
canopy. Each day the troop slowly threads its way
through the branches of the trees, feeding almost
continuously and occasionally uttering
a stream of raucous howls.
~ H A B I T S
The red howler monkey lives
in troops of 5 to 40, led by a
dominant older male. In the
larger groups he is attended by
a few adults and subadults.
The dominant male leads the
troop through the middle
canopy of the forest in search
of food. The monkeys move
very slowly, covering about a
quarter of a mile a day. They
are most active in the morning
and evening, resting in the hot
midday hours and sleeping in
trees at night.
The howler monkey is best
known for its loud roar, which
is heard through the forest
early in the morning and at
various intervals during the
day and toward dusk.
Right: The oldest and strongest
of the males starts the dawn
chorus of howls.
I ~ SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS
The howler monkey's roar the presence of one troop to
is made by air being forced another. This announcement
through the hyoid bone in its helps to avoid open confron-
throat, which amplifies the tation with other monkeys.
sound, making it audible for It also serves to space troops I
more than a mile. throughout the forest, ensur-
This loud, distinctive call ing that there is an equal I
probably serves to announce share of food for all. --.-J
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
The red howler monkey feeds
almost entirely on leaves, sup-
plemented with nuts, seeds,
fruits, and flowers.
Like other plant eaters, it
can eat tough, fibrous vege-
tation. To cope with the large
quantities it needs to eat, it
has an enlarged intestine
containing strong bacteria
Left: The howler monkey moves
slowly through the treetops, pull-
ing leaves off with its hands.
I DID YOU KNOW?
The Cebidae family of mon-
keys includes the only night-
active monkeys, some of the
world's cleverest nonhuman
primates, and the only mon-
keys with grasping tails.
that quickly digest the food.
The red howler monkey is a
selective feeder, searching for
young, tender leaves as well
as mature, nutritious varieties.
By feeding selectively, and by
conserving its energy with
slow movements, it can live
for several weeks on a diet of
nothing but leaves.
Right: A ruff of fur under the
monkey's chin hides the bone
responsible for its loud howl.
Howler monkeys have the
widest distribution of the
American primates.
The howler monkey's roar
can be heard over two miles
in the forest.
~ BREEDING
The red howler monkey can
breed at any time. Both male
and female usually pair with a
number of mates.
After a gestation of four and
a half months the female gives
birth to one young. Born fully
furred, the baby clings to its
mother's underside, so she can
join the troop on its daily for-
aging. As the baby gets older,
it climbs onto its mother's back
to travel and rides this way for
at least a year. It is not fully
weaned until it is 18 to 24
months old.
A young male is usually
driven out of a troop as he
becomes sexually mature. He
then looks for a new troop to
take over. When he finds one,
he often kills all the infants,
probably to make sure his
leadership is not threatened.
Left: The
infant monkey
is born furred
and able to
cling to its
mother, but it
is at risk from
adult males,
who often kill
the young in
their quest
for troop
dominance.
'" CARD 1 73 I
MANED WOLF
~ ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
,. ORDER
"1IIIIIIII Carnivora
FAMILY
Canidae
The maned wolf is not a true wolf and looks more like a long-
legged fox than a wolf. An endangered species, the maned wolf is
confined to remote areas of the South American savannas . .
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 4 - 4 ~ ft.
Tail: 11-16 in.
Height: Up to 34 in. at shoulder.
Weight: About 50 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: About 1 year,
but rarely breeds before 2 years.
Mating season: April to July.
Gestation: 9 weeks.
No. of young: 2-5.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Nocturnal, solitary.
Diet: Small mammals, reptiles,
and birds; seasonal fruit.
lifespan: 12-15 years in captivity.
Unknown in wild.
Range of the maned wolf.
RELATED SPECIES
DISTRIBUTION
Found in the remote savannas and shrubby forests of Brazil,
Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.
Although it is a member of the
Canidae family, which contains
dogs, wolves, and foxes, the
maned wolf is the only species in
the genus Chrysocyon.
CONSERVATION
The Brazilian government has classified the maned wolf as an
endangered species. Its numbers have declined greatly due to
hunting and habitat destruction. Its range has been reduced in
the north and south, but has spread slightly westward.
FEATURES OF THE MANED WOLF
Threat posture: Stands on stiffened
legs. Raises mane and white hairs on
its throat and tail; tail is also erect.
This posture enlarges outline of body.
Ears: Long and
large, like the ears
of a fox. Sharp
hearing helps it
detect prey.
Body: Smaller
and lighter than
that of the gray
wolf. Rich, red-
brown fur. Rela-
tively short tail.
Mane: Longer, darker hairs along
back. Wolf will raise its mane
to show superiority if it
encounters a rival.
legs: Very long in proportion to the
body. Allow easy movement in the tall
grass of its habitat. Black paws look
like socks.
Movement: Ambling gait caused by
picking up front and back legs on the
same side of the body at the same
time. Faster than it looks.
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Extremely long legs and a prominent crest of hair
across its shoulders are features of the maned wolf
that are not found in true wolves. Ancestors of the
maned wolf are thought to have spread from North
to South America two million years ago. In
South America, isolated from other species,
the maned wolf evolved into today's unique form.
~ H A B I T S
The maned wolf lives in the
dry, shrubby forests and
savannas of subtropical
South America. Much of
this area is grassland, with
swampy regions that grow
high, lush vegetation. The
tall grass provides cover,
and the maned wolf usually
makes its den among the
thick vegetation, where it
spends most of the day
asleep. It marks off its ter-
ritory with feces.
The maned wolf's long legs
enable it to see above the
tall grass so it can spot prey
easily. The wolf's toes can be
splayed apart, to help it
travel on marshy ground.
Males and females may
occupy the same region, but
they remain solitary except
during the breeding season.
Males are very hostile to one
another. Two males will stalk
around one another with
their backs arched and hair
erect, giving the impression
of increased size.
~ FOOD & HUNTING
Like all dogs, the maned wolf
is a flesh eater, but fruits
make up about half of its diet.
Its favorite food is the wild
guinea pig found in its area,
but it also eats rabbits, ro-
dents, lizards, frogs, birds,
fish, and snails. It has sharp
canine teeth for tearing meat
and broad, flat molars suit-
able for crushing fruit .
The maned wolf hunts at
dusk and at night. It also
hunts during the day in areas
that are untouched by hu-
mans. It stalks its prey care-
Left: The maned wolf looks more
closely related to the fox than to
the wolf.
DID YOU KNOW?
Piles of feces deposited
near a maned wolfs den can
reach a height of 16 inches.
In Brazil, it is believed that
parts of the maned wolf have
medicinal powers.
The Paraguayan name for
the maned wolf is aguara
guazu, meaning "bog fox."
fully, stopping to sniff the air
and listen for the prey's
movement. It catches its prey
with a swift, high pounce.
Occasionally, it digs mammals
out of their burrows.
The maned wolf eats quick-
ly, bending its forelegs at the
elbow to tear at prey. Al-
though it usually hunts alone,
the maned wolf may hunt in
pairs at certain times, such as
the breeding season. But the
two animals feed separately,
keeping a wary eye on each
other's movements.
Right: The maned wolf's long legs
enable it to see above tall grass
to spot prey.
The maned wolf moves by
simultaneously lifting both
legs on one side of its body
in a rocking motion.
A South American fruit, the
wolf's fruit, is a favorite of the
maned wolf. It is believed to
guard against a parasite that
attacks the wolfs kidneys.
The maned wolf mates be-
tween late spring and early
summer. Its mating habits have
been observed only in captivity.
It appears that the female
makes the first move, bowing in
front of the male and rubbing
against him while pounding her
forepaws on the ground.
After a short gestation, the
female gives birth to two to five
Left: The female maned wolf
takes the lead in mating by
bowing in front of the male.
Left: The popu-
lation of the
maned wolf is
very low. Al-
though it has not
been persecuted
as much as the
true wolf, the
maned wolf is
an endangered
species as a re-
sult of habitat
cubs in her den. The cubs
weigh about a pound. The
female defends her young if
necessary. It is thought that the
male brings food to the den
and regurgitates it for the cubs.
The cubs are fully grown in
about a year. Their long legs
have developed and their fur
has changed from almost black
to red-brown with black legs,
nose, and mane. Although they
are sexually mature at this age,
they do not usually mate for
another year.
BAT-EARED FOX
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Canidae
GROUP 1: MAMMALS
.... GENUS &: SPECIES
'1IIIIIIII Otocyon mega/otis
The bot-eared fox is one of the most peculiar members of the dog
family. It has extremely large ears, which it uses to locate
food, and its teeth are unlike those of other foxes.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: Head and body, 1 ~ -2 ft.
Tail, 9-13 in. Females slightly
larger.
Ears: 4-5 in.
Height at shoulder: 12-16 in.
Weight: 6-12 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1-2 years.
Gestation: 9-10 weeks.
No. of young: 2-6.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Lives in burrows.
Diet: Mainly termites, beetles,
small mammals, reptiles, birds'
eggs, fruit, and vegetable tubers.
lifespan: Longest in captivity, 13
years 9 months.
RElATED SPECIES
Although visibly similar to the
fennec fox, this unusual member
of the dog family more Glosely
resembles the raccoon dog and
the gray foxes.
Range of the bat-eared fox.
DISTRIBUTION
Two distinct ranges: southern Sudan to southwestern Tanzania
in the north; Angola to central South Africa in the south.
CONSERVATION
The bat-eared fox has decreased in areas where human
. activity is greatest, particularly in South Africa. But it seems
to be expanding its range into Mozambique, Zimbabwe,
and Botswana.
I FEATURES OF THE BAT-EARED FOX
Feeding: While searching for food,
the fox constantly moves its head and
ears from side to side to pinpoint any
sounds it might hear.
muzzle is short
and pointed.
The ears are
very large and
oval-shaped.
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Coat: General coloring is grayish
yellow with dark brown edge around
ears, feet, and tip of tail. Underparts
are a dull grayish yellow.
Body: Short
and compact ,
with a long,
bushy tail and
short legs.
0160200441 PACKET 44
The bat-eared fox lives in two separate regions in
eastern and southern Africa. This division of its range
is not recent. Nor is it the result of human activity.
Instead, the separation appears to have occurred
many thousands of years ago because of
a change in the African climate.

The bat-eared fox is most at
home in the arid plains and
savannas of eastern and south-
ern Africa. Although it prefers
open country, where the grass
is short, it also inhabits brush
and scrublands.
For protection from the ele-
ments and its many enemies,
the bat-eared fox finds shelter
in a deep den. It either digs
this den itself or takes it over
from other burrowing animals.
The den is often several feet
deep and contains more than
one underground chamber
with a number of entrances.
When patrolling its territory
or searching for food, the bat-
eared fox turns, twists, and
doubles back on itself to con-
fuse the hounds, jackals, and
birds of prey that pursue it.
FOOD & HUNTING
The bat-eared fox is the only
member of the dog family that
feeds almost entirely on in-
sects. Insects can make up 80
percent of its diet. Termites,
especially harvester termites,
are such an important part of
its diet that the fox's range
I DID YOU KNOW?
The bat-eared fox eats
scorpions, swallowing the
stinger and the poison sac
without ill effects.
The bat-eared fox has
such sharp hearing that it
can detect prey even under-
ground. But its eyesight is
closely mirrors that of the ter-
mite. Dung beetles are anoth-
er popular food. The fox digs
them up from the ground,
where the larvae are buried in
balls of manure.
The bat-eared fox's small
teeth are suited to its insect

The breeding habits of the bat-
eared fox vary throughout its
range. In the north it establishes
territories during the breeding
season and marks them with
the scent of urine. But in the
south the territories of several
adults often overlap.
The bat-eared fox mates for
Left: Bat-eared foxes rest outside
their burrows before hunting.
not very good, and it is fre-
quently unable to spot small
mammals or reptiles unless
they move.
The bat-eared fox is also
known as the long-eared
fox, the big-eared fox, and
the black-eared fox.
diet. It has as many as eight
molars-teeth that are better
for crushing than chewing.
In addition to insects, the
bat-eared fox feeds on small
mammals, the eggs and young
of ground-nesting birds, fruit,
and tubers.
Right: Like
many other
members of the
dog family, the
bat-eared fox
is very
sociable.
Left: With its
ears pointing
forward, a
bat-eared fox
listens for the
sound of grubs
moving under
the ground.
life, and pairs form very strong
bonds. Two months after mat-
ing, the female gives birth to
two to six cubs. They nurse for
up to 15 weeks, but they may
be weaned in four weeks.
The cubs first leave the den at
about two and a half weeks. If
danger threatens, the adults
grab them by the scruff of the
neck and carry them to safety.
Fully grown by six months, the
cubs remain with their parents
until the next year.
Below: In spite of the mother's
continual presence, less than half
of the litter survives through the
first year.
BAT-EARED FOX & MAN
After the leopard, humans are
the greatest enemy of the bat-
eared fox. People hunt the fox
for its soft, dense fur, particu-
larly during the colder months
from April to July, when the
fox's coat is at its best. The fox
is also hunted by farmers who
do not realize that its small
teeth are no threat to livestock.
In some areas, however, the
bat-eared fox is actually ex-
tending its range, helped by
the conversion of wood and
scrublands into open pastures
for cattle.
","CARD 175
ROCK HYRAX

... ORDER
Hyracoidea
",. FAMILY
Procaviidae
",. GENUS &: SPECIES
Procavia capensis
The rock hyrax is a furry, compact animal that lives among
rocky outcrops and isolated mountains on the plains and
savannas of Africa and the Middle East.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 12-23 in.
Height: 8-12 in.
Weight: Male, 9 lb.
Female, 8 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 16-17 months.
Mating: The main pairing season
is between February and March.
Gestation: 7-8 months.
Litter size: 2-3.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Lives in family groups.
Active by day, making short
feeding trips or sunbathing.
Diet: Mainly leaves from trees
and plants, but also grass.
Lifespan: Up to 12 years has
been recorded.
RELATED SPECIES
There are two other genera,
each with several These
are the bush hyraxes and the
tree hyraxes.
FEATURES OF THE ROCK HY
Teeth: The incisors are us.ed against
predators-not for eating. These
sharp teeth can inflict a vicious bite.
Range of the rock hyrax.
DISTRIBUTION
Found from Lebanon southward throughout most of Africa.
CONSERVATION
Despite its slow breeding rate and the constant threat to its
habitat, the rock hyrax is surprisingly stable. Certain species
of hyrax, however, are threatened because they are hunted
for their valuable fur.
Scent gland: A narrow, bare scent
gland surrounded by hair runs
along the back. It is not certain
what this gland is used for, but
when the animal is frightened or
-..,,----:---- excited the gland erects the fur
"if
Feet: The front feet haveA toes;
Eyes: The hyrax has sharp eyestuht, and the shape of
its eyes is unique. The iris bulges out above the pupil ,
cutting off light from directly above its head. l'his en-
ables it to look almost directly into the sun and keep
the back have 3. The sales are
covered with a rubbery pad that
secretes a sticky sweat, giving
the hyrax an excellent grip as it
climbs over the rocks.
watch for birds of prey. .
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Although the rock hyrax looks very much like
a rodent and grows to the size of a rabbit,
it is actually closely related to the elephant.
Its nails resemble hooves, and its feet have
special sticky pads that help it move easily
around the steep rocks of its habitat.
~ HABITS
The rock hyrax lives in family
groups, or colonies, with a
dominant male and several
adult females presiding over
their young. Juvenile males live
on the edges of the family's
territory, which is defended by
the adult male. Families live in
rock crevices, where they take
shelter and sleep. On especially
cold nights the animals huddle
together for warmth.
In the morning the family
basks in the sun, until one of
the adults goes off to eat and is
followed by the others. The
dominant male keeps watch
while the others feed. If a pred-
ator appears, he utters a warn-
ing cry that sends the whole
group back into the rocks.
Hyraxes use the same place
for urinating and defecating.
The urine leaves white crystal-
line deposits on the rocks. The
crystalline deposits as well as
the feces were used by South
African tribes to make perfume
and medicine in the past.
Above: The sticky soles of the
rock hyrax's feet make perching
on rocks easy.
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
The rock hyrax feeds mainly
on tree leaves, but it also eats
grasses and young shoots of
plants and shrubs. Like many
other mammals that eat tough
vegetation, the rock hyrax has
microorganisms in its stomach
that help break down food
and make it easier to digest.
The hyrax has strong incisor
teeth, but it uses them for de-
fense rather than for feeding.
When it eats, the hyrax turns
its head sideways and uses its
cheek teeth to bite off the
grass and leaves.
Ri ght: When threatened, the
hyrax bares its sharp incisors to
warn off the intruder.
~ SPECIAL ADAPTATI ONS
The rock hyrax is very nim-
ble, with feet that are well
developed for life among the
rocks. The hyrax can easily
climb steep, smooth surfaces
because the soles of its feet
form suction pads and se-
crete a sticky liquid. Its hoof-
li ke nails also help it grip
sli ppery rocks.
The front feet have four
toes; the back feet have three.
The middle toe of each back
foot has a grooming claw.
I DID YOU KNOW?
Hyraxes are very vocal.
There are 21 different calls
on record, from chattering
to screaming.
The rock hyrax is able to
eat very poisonous plants
without suffering any ap-
parent ill effects.
~ BREEDING
The rock hyrax has a very long
period of gestation (pregnancy)
for such a small animal-seven
to eight months.
A litter usually contains two
or three young. The young-
sters are suckled by the moth-
er, who has two nipples at her
shoulder and four around her
crotch. Each youngster has its
own nipple and may not drink
from any other.
In six months the young are
Left: Hyraxes form kindergartens,
with one adult looking after a
group of youngsters.
When little water is avail-
able, the rock hyrax can get
enough water from its food.
The rock hyrax sometimes
shares its territory with the
bush hyrax and occasionally
with agamid lizards, band-
ed mongoose, or baboons.
weaned, but they remain in
the family until they reach
sexual maturity at about 16
months. The males then
wander off to establish new
family colonies or to form
bachelor groups.
The rock hyrax is closely re-
lated to the bush hyraxes. They
are different species and do
not interbreed. But they live in
. close harmony, even sharing
the same sleeping caves. This
acceptance of another species
is known among no other ani-
mals except apes.
VIRGINIA OPOSSUM
ORDER FAMILY
Marsupia/ia Didelphidae
... GENUS & SPECIES
'11IIIIIIII Didelphis virginiana
The Virginia opossum is one of more than 70 opossum species in
America. It has adapted to the presence of people, and its
varied diet now includes food scraps from trash cans.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: Head and body, 15-20 in.
Weight: 9-1 3 lb .
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: Female, before 1
year. Male, later.
Mating: Summer in the United
States; throughout the year in
the tropics.
Gestation: 12-13 days.
No. of young: Usually 6-9.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Active at night.
Diet: Widely varied, including
insects, meat, eggs, plants, and
small mammals.
RELATED SPECIES
There are more than 70 opossum
species in the Americas, including .
the murine opossum, Marmoso
murino, and the water opossum,
or yapok, Chironectes minimus.
Range of the Virginia opossum.
DISTRIBUTION
Found in the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains.
Also occurs in Mexico and Central America. Introduced and
now thriving on the Pacific coast from San Diego to British
Columbia.
CONSERVATION
Although it is hunted by humans, the Virginia opossum is in
no danger of extinction.
FEATURES OF THE VIRGINIA OPOSSUM
.---__ Ears: Paper-thin
Fur: Coarse. May be black or brown
in southern parts of its range; gray
or white in northern parts.
Tail: Naked and
almost as long as
the body. Black
near the body,
otherwise pale.
It is prehensile
(capable of grasp-
ing), and the
opossum can
curl it around a
branch and hang
MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM
digits and a
"thumb" to aid
grip on branches.
Playing dead: If
threatened, the
opossum may
fake death by
going limp, with
eyes shut and
tongue lolling.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
and hairless.
Opossum has
excellent
Always white,
regardless of
body color.
0160200451 PACKET 45
The Virginia opossum carries its numerous young
in a rear-opening pouch. About the size of a cat,
it has coarse bushy fur, a long snout, and large,
bare gray ears. This opossum also has an extra-long
prehensile tail with which it can grip branches
when scrambling about in the trees.
~ HABITS
The Virginia opossum occupies
a home range of about one-
tenth of a square mile, usually
in wooded country and near a
stream. It spends most of its
time on the ground, but it may
climb a tree in an emergency or
when searching for food.
The opossum's hands and
feet have five digits each. Its
hind feet are adapted for climb-
ing, with the big toe positioned
like a human thumb.
The animal's long, naked tail
is prehensile (capable of grasp-
ing), and the young opossum
uses it to hang from a branch.
A night creature, the Virginia
opossum sleeps by day in a nest
of dead leaves that is inside a
hollow tree, under dead brush,
or in an abandoned burrow.
To collect leaves for its nest,
the opossum picks them up in
its mouth, passes them back
between its front legs, and
tucks them between its belly
and its tail, which it folds up
under its body. During very
cold weather the opossum
saves energy by lowering its
temperature and entering a
torpor (inactive state). It does
not hibernate completely but
lives off reserves of body fat
stored during the fall.
~ FOOD & FEEDING
The Virginia opossum is a ver-
satile feeder, eating insects,
fruit, eggs, rotten meat, small
mammals, and garbage scraps.
At times it raids poultry runs.
The opossum tends to eat
plants in late fall and winter,
when other sources of food
become scarce.
Although its senses of sight
and smell are only average, the
Virginia opossum has excellent
hearing, which it uses when
searching for live prey.
Left: The young opossum is inde-
pendent just four weeks after
leaving its mother's pouch.
~ SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS
The term "playing possum"
comes from the opossum's
ability to play dead. When
faced with a predator, the
opossum hisses and squirts a
foul-smelling liquid. But if
seized by a predator, the
opossum goes limp, with its
eyes shut and tongue lolling
out. When the attacker loses
interest and leaves, the opos-
sum recovers fully.
Scientists do not know how
the opossum manages this
Left: The opos-
sum usually
sleeps during
the day and
forages for
food at night.
When food is
scarce, it may
have to travel
for in order to
find enough
nourishment
for its family.
Here an opos-
sum yawns
after spending
a long night
foraging.
trick. Some say that chemi-
cals released into the brain
cause a temporary coma, but
recordings of brain activity
show that while feigning
death the opossum is actu-
ally in a highly alert state.
~ BREEDING
The female opossum's gesta-
tion lasts 1 2 to 1 3 days, and,
like other marsupials, she gives
birth to tiny embryos. Born in
quick succession, the poorly
developed young immediately
struggle up through the moth-
er's fur toward the pouch that
opens to the rear. As each ba-
by opossum reaches the pouch,
it grasps a nipple in its mouth,
and it does not let go for the
next 10 weeks. Most females
have 1 3 nipples, so if there are
more than 1 3 babies, those
Left: At 10 weeks of age, these
young are developed enough to
travel on their mother's back.
DID YOU KNOW?
A female may give birth
to as many as 25 young
in just five minutes.
Newborn Virginia opos-
sums are so tiny that 24
of them would fit into a
teaspoon.
Some Virginia opossums
live so far north that they
lose part of their tail and
ears to frostbite.
A closed pouch may
contain up to six percent
carbon dioxide.
Opossum meat is a
delicacy in the South.
Above: The opossum relies on its
excellent hearing to detect the
rustling of hidden prey.
who do not act fast will die.
After 10 weeks in the pouch,
the young move to the nest,
where they sleep huddled to-
gether. By then they are the
size of small rats, and their
mother carries them all on her
back when she goes out forag-
ing. The young are weaned
soon after, and by 14 weeks
they are fully independent.
The female breeds before her
first birthday and may have
three litters a year. The lifespan
of the Virginia opossum is rare-
ly longer than two years.
GERBIL
ORDER
Rodentia
FAMILY
Muridae
GROUP 1: MAMMALS
... GENERA
Various
Gerbils are small rodents that live mainly in deserts and savannas
in Africa and parts of Asia. To cope with the heat, they stay below
ground during the day and come out for food at night.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: Body, 4-8 in. Tail,
6-10 in .
Weight: 1 -8 oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 2-6 months.
Breeding: Breeds once or several
times a year, depending on
species, climate, and food.
Gestation: 3 weeks.
No. of young: 4-8.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Usually nocturnal. Sociable
except when living in very harsh
conditions.
Diet: Seeds, supplemented with
stems, leaves, fruit, bulbs.
Lifespan: 1-2 years in the wild.
RELATED SPECIES
There are 73 species of gerbils in
14 genera.
COMMON GERBIL SPECIES
Large North African Gerbil, Gerbil/us campestris:
Long ears, pale color, large eyes, and long tail.
Great Gerbil,
Rhombomys
opimus: Larg-
est known
gerbil. Thick
fur and short
tail. Looks like
a rat.
MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILET"
Range of gerbils.
DISTRIBUTION
Found in dry, desertlike areas, plains, and savanna grasslands
in Africa and Asia.
CONSERVATION
Gerbils are not in danger, although when they live close to
people they are often trapped or poisoned. Gerbils cause
damage by raiding grain crops and by burrowing in irriga-
tion ditches and building foundations.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
k
North African Jird, Meri-
ones /ybicus: Sandy brown
. hair with white abdomen.
0160200411 PACKET 41
Gerbils resemble small, furry rats in their body shape,
but their long hind legs make them look like
miniature kangaroos. Their fur is sand-colored on top,
but the underparts are white. Gerbils have long,
slender tails with tufts of hair at the end.
They use their tails for balance.

With gerbils, reproduction ap-
pears to be closely linked to both
weather and food supplies.
Some gerbils in desertlike areas
give birth after the rainy season,
when temperatures are lower
and food is more plentiful.
There is usually just one litter
per female. But both the Indi-
an gerbil and savanna gerbil
live near a relatively abundant
food supply and may breed
several times during one year.
After a gestation period of
three weeks, the female gives
birth to four to eight young.
The offspring are helpless at
birth and live on their mother's
milk lor about 20 days. Then
they learn to forage for them-
selves. When there is only one
breeding season in the year,
offspring that are born early
in the season quickly reach
maturity and breed during the
same season, at the age of
about two months. Gerbils
born later become sexually
mature after six months and
breed during the next season.

Gerbils live in burrows below
ground during the day and
only surface during the cool
of night. These sociable
animals often live in large
communities. But gerbils in
harsh, dry areas tend to live
in single burrows, as there is
not enough food to support
large numbers.
A gerbil's burrow is usually
part of an interconnecting
system with many entrances
and separate chambers for
nesting, sleeping, and storing
food. Most entrances are
Left: The Mongolian gerbil,
Meriones unguiculatus, is the
breed kept as a pet.
DID YOU KNOW?
The coats of different
gerbil species are camou-
flaged to match their habi-
tat. Gerbils living in dark
lava sand have a browner
coat than those living in
yellow sand.
There are over 80 species
blocked with earth during
the day to keep out the heat
and predators li ke snakes and
mongooses.
To live in hot, dry areas,
gerbils minimize their water
loss. Their digestive systems
extract water from food, and
their kidneys reabsorb water
from their urine. Gerbils also
have specially adapted bones
in their noses that condense
water vapor from the air be-
fore the animal breathes out.
In this way essential moisture
is retained.
Right: During the day'gerbils
keep the entrances to their
burrows well concealed.
of gerbil. Many are nam:-l
for their appearance, I
as the fat sand mouse and
t he fat-tailed gerbil.
It Wagner's gerbil likes to
eat snails. It often leaves
piles of empty snail shells
outside its burrow entrance.
FOOD &: FEEDING
Gerbils come out at night to
feed on seeds. They also eat
stems, fruit, roots, and bulbs
if these foods are available. At
night the seeds are saturated
with dew, and gerbils take
them back to their burrows
to eat. This tactic lets them
Left: Gerbil
offspring are
totally helpless
at birth. They
are blind and
hairless and
cannot regu-
late their body
temperature.
Here a female
suckles her
young in the
nest chamber.
The young
usually feed
from their
mother for
about 20 days.
conserve the seeds' moisture
and also makes them less
vulnerable to attack by pred-
ators, including birds of prey
such as eagles and owls.
Below: Gerbils gather food such
as leaves and stems and take it
back to the burrow.
CARD 178
BLACK RAT
~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ ~ ~ ~
~
ORDER
Rodentia
FAMILY
Muridae
GENUS & SPECIES
Rattus rattus
The block rot is a smaller relative of the brown rot and is found in
populated areas throughout the world. It was the carrier of the
bubonic plague, or "block death," in the Middle Ages.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: Head and body, up to
9 in. Tail, up to lOin. Male
slightly larger than female.
Weight: 5-7 oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 3 months.
Breeding season: Throughout
the year in warm climates.
Gestation: 3 weeks.
No. of young: 5-10.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Sociable, forming colonies
near human habitations.
Diet: Mostly vegetable matter;
prefers grain and fruit.
Lifespan: Average 1 year.
RELATED SPECIES
There are 78 species of Rattus, in-
cluding the brown, or Norway,
rat, R. norvegicus, which is com-
mon near human habitations.
IDENTIFYING THE BLACK RAT
Variations in coat color make it easy to con-
fuse the black rat with the brown rat, but
there are clear differences between them.
MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM
Range of the black rat.
DISTRIBUTION
The black rat is native to warmer parts of the world. It
arrived in North America as a stowaway on ships and is
now found in many cities, mainly along the coasts.
CONSERVATION
In colonial times the black rat was abundant in American
cities, but it is now outnumbered by the more adaptable
brown rat. Neither species is likely to become extinct.
Oriental rat flea: Carried from Asia
and the Middle East in the black
rat's coat. It spread the bubonic
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
BROWN
RAT
Coat: Although its color varies, the
black rat's coat is sleeker and glossier
than the brown rat's coat.
Ears: Smaller on
the black rat.
They are pink and
naked, while the
brown rat's are
pale and covered
with hairs.
Tail : The black rat has a longer tail in
proportion to its body, although it is
smaller overall than the brown rat.
0160200441 PACKET 44
Brought to Europe in the ships of Crusaders
returning from the Holy Land, the black rat
carried with it a flea that infected more than
25 million people with the bubonic plague.
This unwelcome rodent was severely attacked
and is now scarce in much of Europe.
~ HABITAT
The black rat was widespread
in Europe and North America
centuries ago, when it had
more opportunities to live
alongside humans. But grad-
ual improvements in pest
control have almost elimi-
nated it from both regions.
Today, the black rat is more
prevalent in warmer climates,
which it prefers. In the trop-
ics it may live outside among
rocks or in tree stumps, espe-
DID YOU KNOW?
The largest member of the
rat family is the cloud rat of
the Philippines, with a body
nearly 16 inches long.
cially in locations where food
is plentiful.
In cooler climates the black
rat is found almost exclusive-
ly in ports and docks. It lives
on the upper floors of ware-
houses and granaries, nesting
in warm holes, especially dur-
ing winter.
Unlike the related brown
rat, which is often found in
ditches and sewers, the black
rat rarely swims.
About 95 percent of black
rats die before they are a
year old. Pesticides are
largely responsible for this.
~ BREEDING
The black rat is active mostly
at night, and little is known
about its social habits. It is a
prolific rodent and breeds
throughout the year with a
peak breeding period in the
summer. Mild winters extend
the breeding season, causing
an increase in the population.
Once a pair has mated, the
male leaves the female and
looks for other females to mate
left: Using its long tail for bal-
ance, the black rat can easily run
along a ship's rigging.
with. Three weeks after mat-
ing, the female gives birth to
five to ten babies in a nest of
rags, straw, and paper.
Born blind, deaf, and hair-
less, the young huddle togeth-
er to keep warm. After a week
their eyes open, they can hear,
and their coats start to appear.
At three months, the young
rats leave their mother and are
ready to mate.
Right: Young black rats develop
fast and leave their mother after
three months.
left: The black
rat has good
eyesight and a
keen sense of
smell. It is at
home in gra-
naries and
warehouses,
which provide
food and
protection.
~ BLACK RAT &: MAN
The black rat carries many fa-
tal diseases including typhus
and salmonella. It also hosts
the Oriental rat flea, which
spreads bubonic plague.
For centuries, people have
been trying to exterminate
the black rat as well as other
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
The black rat prefers cereals and
fruit to live prey. In the tropics it
eats coconuts and sugarcane.
This rat causes great damage
in grain stores because it has
to gnaw constantly to keep its
rats. Today, the population of
the black rat is steadily dimin-
ishing in cool climates, where
it lives in buildings and is easi-
er to control than the brown
rat. The black rat is less easy
to control in warmer climates,
where it often lives outdoors.
ever-growing teeth at the right
length. It splits open the sacks
of grain and eats as much as it
can. Then it destroys what is left
by trampling on and urinating
over the remains.
Far left: The
black rat eats
primarily ce-
reals and fruit.
Like the house
mouse, it holds
its food in its
forepaws while
it eats.
left: The black
rat rarely goes
outside in a
cool climate.
BLACK-TAILED PRAIRIE DOG
"L
... ORDER
Rodentia
FAMILY
Sciuridae
GENUS &: SPECIES
Cynomys ludoricianus
The black-tailed prairie dog is a rodent with a complex social
structure similar in many ways to our own. Regarded as a pest by
humans, it has been completely wiped out in much of its range.
__________________________
SIZES
Length: Head and body, 11-1 3 in.
Tail: 3-4 in .
Weight: 2-3 lb.
BREEDING
Mating: January to April.
Gestation: 28-32 days.
No. of young: 3-5; rarely 8.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Lives in coteries (groups) of
up to 20 members.
Calls: Chattering, high-pitched
scream; warning bark.
Diet: Grasses and other plants,
including crops such as alfalfa
and corn.
Lifespan: Up to 8 years in
captivity.
RELATED SPECIES
There are 5 species of prairie dog.
They all look very similar, except
for the white-tailed species,
Cynomys gunnisoni.
THE PRAIRIE DOG COTERIE
Range of the black-tailed prairie dog.
DISTRIBUTION
Found on North American prairies, from the Dakotas to
Texas. Also found in northern Mexico.
CONSERVATION
Most U.S. prairies have been converted to farmland, which
leaves no room for the prairie dog. In Kansas prairie dog
towns once occupied an area of almost 2.5 million acres,
which is now reduced to 37,000 acres.
Burrows: Interconnected series of
tunnels and chambers.
Adult male: While other members of the
coterie feed, at least one member acts
as a lookout. It rears up on its hind legs
and barks skyward to warn of approach-
ing danger.
THE UNDERGROUND NEST
. Nest: 'About 4 pups in u litter .
. Th.ey are' .nursed by the. fem-ale ,
fO,r 'up 7 wee,ks. . ,
MCMXCI IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A. 0160200421 PACKET 42
The black-tailed prairie dog is a stocky,
short-tailed ground squirrel. It has yellowish
gray fur with lighter underparts and
a slightly flattened black-tipped tail.

The social structure of the
prairie dog is similar to that
of humans. It lives in a town,
which, before the species was
reduced, could cover several
square miles. Each town is
divided into wards, and each
ward is divided into coteries of
about an acre each.
A coterie usually has one
adult male, three adult fe-
males, and several young who
all live in a series of under-
ground burrows. It is a strong
family unit that keeps to its
own territory and defends it
against neighboring coteries.
Coterie members advertise the
boundaries of their territory by
rearing up on their hind legs,
pointing their heads to the sky,
and giving a series of distinc-
tive calls.
, The prairie dog maintains its
social structure with a ritual of
kisses. When a prairie dog is
approached by another while
guarding its boundaries, both
will crawl toward each other
on their bellies. Once they are
nose to nose, they will bare
their teeth and kiss. If the two
are strangers, one retreats to
its own territory or a fight
breaks out. If they are friends,
they stay together, grooming
each other as a way of cement-
ing the friendship.
Left: Poking
out of its
burrow, a
prairie dog
watches for
predators.
Right: With a
full belly and
exhausted
from digging
its burrow, a
prairie dog
takes a nap in
the sun.
Far right:
Standing
on hind legs
with its head
thrown back, a
prairie dog
gives a loud
barking call.
FOOD &: FEEDING
The prairie dog feeds on
grasses and any other plants
found on the prairie. Even
without the burrow markings,
it would be easy to spot a
prairie dog town by looking at
the surrounding vegetation:
All the tall plants have been
eaten away. Their removal
leaves predators nowhere to
hide and enables the prairie
dog to keep a good lookout.
In place of the tall plants, fast-
growing plants with many
seeds spring up, providing the
prairie dog with a constant
food supply.
The prairie dog seems to
control its weight by regur-
gitating its food once it has
regained sufficient body fat
after the winter.
Right: A prairie dog grips a
dandelion in its tiny paws.

Compared to many other ro-
dents, the prairie dog repro-
duces slowly. It has a litter only
once a year, in March, April, or
May. The litter usually contains
about four pups, which remain
in the underground burrows
for seven weeks while they
are nursing.
With most mammals it is the
young that leave the family
when they grow up, but with
DID YOU KNOW?
In 1905 the prairie dog
population in Texas was
estimated at 800 million.
By the 1970s it was less
than 2.25 million as a re-
sult of the loss of prairie
land to farming.
Prairie dog burrows may
also be used by insects,
reptiles, rabbits, mice, and
other creatures.
prairie dogs it is the parents
that leave when the young
have grown. As the pups are
growing, the adults dig new
burrows at the edge of the
town. They move into these
"suburbs" once the pups can
care for themselves. In this way
the population is redistributed.
Left: A female will look after and
nurse any pup in the coterie, even
if it is not hers.
~ D 180 ]
EURASIAN RED SQUIRREL
"'" GROUP 1: MAMMALS
". ORDER
~ Rodentia
FAMILY
Sciuridae
GENUS &: SPECIES
Sciurus vulgaris
Today, the Eurasian red squirrel is protected in Great Britain.
But 100 years ago there was a campaign to eliminate
this rusty-brown rodent from Scotland because it damaged trees.
KEY FACTS
-----""'.... -
SIZES
Length: Head and body, 8-9 in.
Tail length: 6-7 in.
Weight: 9-11 oz. depending on
season (lighter in summer).
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 11 months.
Mating: Usually February to
March and May to June.
Gestation: 38 days.
litter size: 1-6, usually 3.
No. of litters: Usually 2.
LIFESTYLE
Call: Various chatters or shrieks.
Habit: Tree-living. Solitary
outside mating season.
Diet: Tree seeds. Also bark, sap,
flowers, roots, fungi, insects.
lifespan: Up to 5 years, but
usually 2-3.
RELATED SPECIES
Closely related to the gray
squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis.
Range of the Eurasian red squirrel.
DISTRIBUTION
Found in a belt across Europe and Asia, extending from Ireland
in the west to Korea in the east and from the Mediterranean in
the south through Scandinavia in the north.
CONSERVATION
In Great Britain the Eurasian red squirrel is an endangered,
protected species. In other areas its numbers fluctuate
according to food supplies but do not appear to be declining.
THE EURASIAN RED SQUIRREL AND ITS DREY
Tail: Used for balance when the
squirrel runs or jumps in branches.
Serves as a "blanket" to keep
the squirrel warm at night. Its
movement also reveals the
Whiskers: Long
and sensitive.
Used to judge
space. The
squirrel has
other sensitive
hairs on its
forelegs, its
belly, and the
base of its tail.
MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM
Eyesight: Very
keen. The
squirrel can see
in almost every
direction at
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Thicker, darker,
and grayer
than the
reddish-brown
summer coat.
Drey: Nest
of leaves
and twigs.
Built among
branches and
li ned with soft
materials.
0160200401 PACKET 40
The Eurasian red squirrel is common throughout the
forests of Europe and Asia but very rare in Great
Britain. Its decline in that country is not fully
understood, but the main reasons seem to be
competition for food with the larger gray squirrel and
the destruction of suitable wooded habitats.
HABITS
The Eurasian red squirrel has
powerful hind legs and sharp
claws. It is perfectly adapted
to climbing slender boughs
and leaping from branch to
branch in its forest home.
On the continent 'of Europe,
the red squirrel is found in
coniferous (evergreen) for-
ests. In Great Britain it lives
mainly in deciduous woods.
The squirrel is solitary outside
the breeding season. But
during the winter it shares its
nest with others for warmth.
The nest can be a dreyor
a den. A drey is a 12-inch
domed ball of twigs and
leaves. It is built on a twig
platform in the fork of a tree
branch. The dome is packed
with leaves, moss, and bark
and lined with feathers, this-
tledown, or dried grasses. A
den is often an old enlarged
woodpecker's hole in a tree
hollow. The squirrel lines the
den with the same soft mate-
rials as the dome.
The Eurasian red squirrel
molts and grows a new coat
twice a year. In summer it has
a short, mainly reddish brown
coat. Between August and
November it has a thicker,
dark brown coat. During this
period its ear tufts become
more prominent.
FOOD &: FEEDING
The Eurasian red squirrel
spends most of its day finding,
eating, and storing food. Its
diet is similar to the gray squir-
rel's. Tree seeds are the main
food. Conifer cones, found on
trees most of the year, provide
a constant food source.
A red squirrel searches trees
meticulously for food, some-
times hanging upside down
to reach a morsel. It takes its
findings to thick cover or
another secure spot to eat in
safety. When stripping a cone,
the squirrel holds the top in
one front paw and the base in
the other. Then it rotates the
cone, biting off the scales to
get at the seeds.
The rest of the red squirrel's
diet depends on habitat, but it
may include flowers, shoots,
insects, hazelnuts, and fungi.
Unlike the gray squirrel, the
red squirrel rarely eats acorns,
which it finds indigestible.
Both red and gray squirrels
strip tree bark to get at the
, sap. If they leave a stripped
ring around the trunk, the tree
soon dies.This behavior has
prompted foresters to
exterminate gray squirrels.
I DID YOU KNOW?
A neatly stripped cone is
the work of a squirrel. If the
cone is frayed, it was prob-
I
ably food for a bird.
A gray squirrel will not at-
tack a red squirrel. But it may
move into a red squirrel's
abandoned drey.

The Eurasian red squirrel
breeds only when there is a
good food supply. Pursued
through the treetops by
several males, a female finally
allows one of them to mate
with her. She can produce
two litters a year.
While pregnant, the female
builds a nest. She bears one
to six young, but three is
usual. For the first week after
birth, she stays close to the
young. The mother is very
protective. If the nest is dis-
turbed, she moves her babies
to a new one.
At three weeks old, the
youngsters' eyes and ears
People have admired the
red squirrel for .centuries. It
appears in carvings and
mosaics from early Roman
and Asian civilizations.
A Siberian red squirrel once
stripped 190 pine cones in a
single day.
open, and their fur begins
to show. After about seven
weeks they start to leave the
nest and eat solids. But they
continue to suckle for another
three weeks.
Below: Born naked and blind,
Eurasian red squirrels are weaned
at about 10 weeks old.
Above left:
The Eurasian
red squirrel
takes food to a
safe spot to
eat it.
Far left: The
red squirrel
uses its
forepaws to
collect and
handle cones.
left: Nuts,
seeds, fruit,
and flowers
are rarely
beyond the
grasp of the
agile red
squirrel.