A small and orange-brown rodent, the hazel dormouse is nocturnal and hibernates from October to April in a tightly curled position to conserve warmth. They are very sensitive to the cold. The nest is made up of woven grass, moss and bark strips in the shape of a sphere. These nests are positioned in dense undergrowth or in tree forks or nesting boxes. Their paws have unique pads that they use to give them extra grip on trees!!! Occasionally have a white tip at the end of their long tail. Their habitat is usually deciduous woodland.
Size: body 6-9cm tail 5.5-8cm
Young: one or two litters of 4-7, June-August
Diet: flowers, insects and fruit that is seasonally available in its habitat.
Status: near-threatened; scarce and declining due to habitat destruction!!
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