Previous mammals of the moment
Hazel Dormouse (Muscardinas avellanarius)
The native Hazel dormouse can be recognised by its orange/yellow fur, thick furry tail, and large eyes and ears that are well suited to its nocturnal way of life. The dormouse is also an arboreal species, and has front paws that turn sideways; ideal for gripping tree branches. They are found in deciduous woodland and overgrown hedgerows across the south of England from Dorset to Kent. At night, they spend most of their time climbing among tree branches in search of food, and rarely comes to the ground.
Dormice are now busy fattening up to breed, before entering hibernation for the winter (one of only three mammals in Britain that hibernate!). Look out for their nests in hedgerows and scattered hazel nut shells with the distinctive chew marks. Click on the thumbnail on the left to see how different mammals gnaw hazel nuts.
If you see a dormouse or any sign of their activity or presence, please send the record into us at hmgrecorder@hwt.org.uk along with any other mammal records you have, as usual.
