Common animals in Norway
Norway is home to many species of wild animals. Most of the animals in Norway are not dangerous to people, and we can safely use the countryside without being afraid of wild animals. Some animals live in the forests, while others live in the mountains. Let’s take a closer look at some of them:
- Bears- Bears that live on the Norwegian mainland is called the brown bear. The brown bear is on the red list for extinction. It would be rare to see a brown bear in Norway but they are peaceful animals, unless you startle a she bear while she is with her cubs. Males grow to about 350 kg and the female may reach up to about 200 kg. They primarily feast on plants and smaller animals and eggs and insects, bears will rarely prey and large animals.
- Squirrels- Squirrels can be found all through the country. They can weigh up to about 1 kg when fully grown. Their fur changes with the seasons they are more reddish brown in summer and white and grey in the winter. The squirrels main food source is nuts and seeds.
- Elks- Elk in Norway are the largest animals in the Norwegian forest today. Being known as "King of the Forest" they can weigh up to 400-800 kg. Man Elk Antlers can span more then 150 cm also Elks are herbivores.
- Lynx- Lynx live in northern forested areas. Lynx have characteristic black tufts on their ear heir fur is light brown with dark spots and the tip of their tail is black. Usually they may reach up to about one meter long. Lynx are predators and may prey on cats, sheep but primarly small animals.
- Deer-Deer can be found in the forests and at the edges of forests over almost all of Norway. In the summer their fur is red, grey or brown, while their winter fur is darker and greyer. Deer are herbivores and grow up to 125 cm tall at the shoulder.
- Reindeer- Most reindeer are domesticated in Norway but the wild Reindeer are found in southern mountain ranges. Reindeer in Norway dont grow to be that big but they reach up to about 107- 127 cm tall at the shoulder. Reindeer are Herbivores.
- Foxes- Foxes that are most common in Norway are the red foxes. They live in underground holes called lairs. Foxes grow to be about 75 cm long their tails can be about 50 cm long. Foxes are predators who feast on small animals just like the lynx, nut the foxes may be spotted eating berries.
- Wolves- Members are the dog family, Wolves in Norway can be found in the forested regions near the border of Sweden. Wolves are endangered they feast on larger animals because most wolves hunt in packs that include about 6-8 individuals. They also are about the same size as a Lynx just a tad bigger.
- Adders- Adder snakes are the only poisonous snake native to Norway. They eat small animals such as mice, if an adder bites you seek medical help as soon as possible.
A link for pictures and more Information http://introengelsk.cappelendamm.no/c35057/artikkel/vis.html?tid=35442
This page was made by Adrian Siffrain