Alpine Mammals

The Chamois
The Chamois is a ruminant mid way banded between the antelope and the goat. It's relatives are found in the high mountain ranges all over the world. It's very distinctive horns are black and hooked at the end, with the hook curving back over the head. The coat is reddish brown in summer, with a very noticeable black streak down the back, and a glossy black in winter. The face, neck and stomach are a creamy colour. The track of the chamois is similar to a goat's track. In summer they live in herds of about fifteen to twenty, roaming at altitudes of about 10,000 feet. The herd is always led by a doe. Unfortunately the horns of the chamois are much sought after by hunters.

The Ibex
The Ibex was hunted virtually to the point of extinction in the 18th century, because its body in its constituent parts was attributed to all kinds of healing abilities. Just one colony remained - in Grand Paradisco in northern Italy. This colony was protected and the Ibex slowly reintroduced into other Alpine regions. Its coat is brown, brighter in summer than in winter and has a red streak down its back. Ibex grow to a length of five feet and stand two and a half feet high. They are well suited to the mountains, being extremely agile and sure-footed.

The Pine Marten
The Pine Marten, although widely spread throughout the Alps, is a rare species. It lives in coniferous forests and woods and builds its nest in hollow trees. It is dark brown with a white throat and measures about three feet from tip to tail. It hunts mostly by night mainly small animals but also eats nuts and fruit. Its mating time is the summer and the males fight fiercely amongst themselves. Pine Martens have a very distinct territory which they mark constantly.

The Roe Deer
The Roe Deer is generally found in thick forests which have a lot of undergrowth. They are very shy creatures and are easily frightened, emitting a loud bark when disturbed. In the summer its coat is a reddish brown with a white patch on its rump. Roe Deer are about four feet long and stand up to two and a half feet high. Rutting time starts at the end of July or beginning of August.

The Red Deer
The Red Deer is found in high mountain forests. It is larger than the Roe Deer, the male standing up to five feet in height. Its summer coat is a reddish brown with a yellowish pattern on its hindquarters. Rutting time is from September to October.

The Red Squirrel
The Red Squirrel is quite common in the Alps, far more so than in the British Isles where you are lucky if you see one. In the summer its coat os dark brown, but bright red in the winter with a white underneath. It has a very prominent bushy tail, which is used fro balance and tufted ears. The Red Squirrel does not hibernate, but does gather a food supply for the winter.

The Alpine Marmot
The Alpine marmot is everyone's favourite. It is a close relative of the squirrel and dormouse. It lives at an altitude of between 4,000 and 8,000 feet and favours rocky ground. It lives in tunnels and burrows the entrance, which normally commands a good view. It grows to two feet in length and is a yellowish gray with a black snout. It generally lives in a large colony and hibernates in the winter. It has an excellent sense of sight and when threatened emits a loud whistling scream.

Other animals found in the Alps include foxes, badgers, hares, rabbits and a variety of small mammals.