MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS
Hazel, or common, dormouse
  Classification Order Rodentia, Family Gliridae.

Description The coat L's tawny on the back, yellowish under-neath, and the throat is white. The tail is covered with short, dense, tawny fur. The eyes are black; the ears small. The front legs are shorter than the hind legs. There are 4 toes on the front foot and 4 on the hind foot, all having short claws. Length of head and body 6-9 cm (2.4-3.6 in), tail 7-7.5 cm (2.8-3 in); weight 15-40 g (0.5-1.4 oz).
  Distribution Europe, from the Pyrenees to the Volga.

Habitat Mountains and hilly regions; in woodlands, conifer-ous forests, and among mountain pine.

Behaviour This tiny dormouse feeds mainly on hazelnuts, and occasionally on insects, birds' eggs, and nestlings. It is mainly nocturnal and sleeps through the day. It is solitary, or found in family groups of female and young. It hibernates from October or November until the latter half of April. It lives in a spherical nest made of grasses, moss, feathers, and hair, located on the ground hidden in undergrowth or in bushes at a height of up to 6.5 feet. The female delivers 1 litter a year after a 4-week gestation. The 3-7 young become independent when they are about 35 days old.