Swiss Animals: Not Just Fondue and Clocks

Switzerland's rugged mountains are a playground for some seriously cool creatures. As I am visiting this country, it was too tempting not to find out a bit more about the local wildlife. From the nimble chamois to the majestic golden eagle, these animals are built for adventure. The Alpine ibex, a mountain goat with serious climbing skills, even made a comeback after going extinct! These days, they're hopping around the Alps, safe from predators in their rocky hideouts.

Here is a round up of just some of the wildlife found in this extraordinary landscape.

Chamois: The Alpine Acrobat Ever seen a goat with a rock-climbing addiction? Meet the chamois! These nimble mountain goats are the ultimate parkour pros, scaling cliffs like it's nobody's business. They're the daredevils of the Alps, trading the valleys for the peaks.

https://nationalpark.ch/en/flora-and-fauna/chamois/

Mountain Hare: The Snowy Ninja The mountain hare is the master of disguise. With its winter coat of white fur, it blends seamlessly into the snowy landscape. These elusive creatures are experts at hide-and-seek, making them a challenge to spot even for the keenest eye.

https://www.facebook.com/MySwitzerlandNA/photos/a.598736593606639/2512515088895437/?type=3&_rdr

Red Deer: The Comeback Kings Once thought lost to history, the red deer made a triumphant return to the Swiss Alps. After a century-long ban on hunting, these majestic creatures, migrated from Austria and are thriving once again. They're the largest land mammals in Switzerland, and they're not afraid to show it!

https://cervovolante.com/en/2022/08/17/der-schweizer-rothirsch/

European Mole: The Underground Architect Meet the mole, the secret agent of the soil. These tiny tunnelers spend their days burrowing through the earth, creating intricate networks of underground passageways. They're the architects of the underworld, shaping the landscape one tunnel at a time.

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/animals-found-in-switzerland.html

Barn Owl: The Silent Hunter The barn owl is a stealthy predator with a heart-shaped face and a silent flight. These nocturnal hunters are masters of disguise, blending into the night sky as they swoop down on unsuspecting rodents. They're the night owls of the bird world, patrolling the skies in search of their next meal. Found almost everywhere on the planet (including Australia) the only regions you won't see them are the Pacific regions, Indonesia, Polar and desert regions.

https://www.vogelwarte.ch/en/birds-of-switzerland/western-barn-owl/

Alpine Marmot: The Alpine Couch Potato The alpine marmot is the ultimate lazybones. These chubby rodents spend their days lounging in the sun, munching on grass and herbs. When winter arrives, they retreat to their cozy burrows for a long hibernation. They're the snuggle bugs of the mountains, and they're not afraid to show it.

https://www.amazon.ca/Alpine-Marmot-Wallis-Switzerland-Poster/dp/B07BVCVGDV

Brown Bear: The Gentle Giant The brown bear is a rare sight in Switzerland, but these gentle giants are slowly making a comeback. They're the top predators of the Alps, and they play a vital role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem. So, if you're lucky enough to spot one, consider yourself truly blessed!

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/science/switzerland-s-only-wild-bear-is-shot/35035130

Golden Eagle: A glimpse into the wild Golden eagles, those majestic sky-pirates with wingspans that could rival a small airplane, once ruled the skies like the avian equivalent of royalty. Unfortunately, their reign was nearly cut short, thanks to some questionable human decisions. These feathered kings and queens were almost wiped out, reduced to a mere 300 pairs clinging to existence.

©MehmetO/Shutterstock.com

You think the Swiss Alps are serene? Think again! Competing with Aussie critters, and lurking in the shadows of these majestic mountains is a silent, slithery assassin: the Aspic Viper. This isn't your average garden-variety snake; it's a high-altitude ninja, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

With its triangular head and venomous fangs, this little critter can turn your idyllic Swiss vacation into a real-life horror movie. Imagine hiking through a picturesque meadow, only to stumble upon this deadly serpent. It's like a scene straight out of a Hitchcock film!

So, next time you're planning a Swiss adventure, remember to keep an eye out for this venomous villain. And if you do spot one, remember: admire from afar. After all, a Swiss vacation should be filled with cheese, chocolate, and breathtaking views, not a close encounter with a deadly snake.

https://uncailloudanslachaussure.ch/vipere-aspic/

As always, thank you for visiting and reading.

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