Mammals by thehedge.org

Continuing this section, some interesting information about mammals, that is the animals that you might find in hedges and similar areas.
These animals are listed in alphabetical order:

Shrew - Pygmy Shrew
About the Pygmy Shrew:
The Pygmy Shrew is our smallest mammal and has the shortest lifespan. It is found where there is thick cover, in scrub or under hedges. They have a narrow flexible snout which twitches as it sorts through leaf litter seeking food. They have long whiskers, small eyes and short ears which are hidden in the hair. They make their own mammal runs use those of mice and voles. Their eyesight is poor and they rely on their sense of hearing, touch and smell. They can climb well and swim. They came to Ireland after the last ice age. about 10,000 years ago. They eat beetles, woodlice, flies, insect larvae, spiders and bugs. Owls, foxes and cats hunt them!

Squirrel - Grey Squirrel
About the Grey Squirrel:
The Grey Squirrel is brownish grey with a pale underside, although in the summer they have a reddish tinge. On the ground they move irregularly, sitting upright sometimes to look around. They mark their sites with secretions from mouth glands and with their urine. It was introduced to Ireland on an estate called Castle Forbes in Co. Longford 90 years ago. They are attracted by large-seeded trees like oak,sycamore and beech. They live in hedgerows and subrban gardens as well as in forests. They forage on the ground in winter but in summer spend more time in the trees. Their nests are called "Dreys", located in a forked branch and are enclosed in winter but on twig platforms in the summer.

Squirrel - Red Squirrel
About the Red Squirrel:
They were brought to Ireland in the 19th century to such sites as Ashford, Lucan, Birr and Multyfarnham. It is mainly found West of the Shannon, across most of Munster and South Leinster as well as in the Glens of Antrim. Red squirrels are plentiful in woodland areas. They spend time on the ground foraging for food. They eat nuts from the woodland and they occasionally eat insects. In winter squirrels hibernate and come out to feed from their store of food. They have sharp teeth to crack open nuts. Often the heap of cracked nuts give way their “Drey” high up in a hollow of the tree. Their colour is brown but varies from greyish brown to chestnut red.

Stoat
About the Stoat:
The Irish for Stoat is Easog. Famous for how it can kill much larger animals, it bites the nape of the victim's neck. Their coat is reddish-brown with a whiteish underbelly and a black tip on the tail. It is a very curious creature and can be mistaken for a weasel which is smaller and does not occur in Ireland. They belong to the same family as the Mink, Pine Marten and Badger. Their dens are found in rabbit burrows, hollow trees or rock crevices. They are solitary and intolerant of others of the same sex. They are carnivores, hunting by ambushing, stalking, chasing or mesmerising.

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