Biologists from the Moscow Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection told us which specially protected natural areas are preferred by wild animals listed in the Moscow Red Book. The top 5 endangered predatory animals that can be found in the natural areas of the Russian capital in winter are European polecats, ermines, weasels, European pine martens and beech martens.
All these species are in the mustelid family. They are distinguished by their attractive appearance and grace. These animals are characterized by an elongated body, rather short legs, a fluffy tail and an expressive face. The animals move quickly and dexterously. They can have different colors, but their body structure and character are similar. Mustelids are predominantly solitary.
They prefer to live away from the city center, but are not averse to settling on the outskirts, near natural areas, in abandoned outbuildings. The name of this species comes from its characteristic coloration, which ranges from dark gray to black.
They can also be of reddish or yellowish color and even albinos. Baby European polecats are very playful. Adult predators are solitary, but if they have to communicate, they do it with the help of scent marks as well as visual and acoustic signals. European polecats in Moscow prefer to live in large urban parks or small wooded areas. They can be found in groves near fields and settlements, wet meadows and floodplains. European polecats feed on mice, voles, frogs, hedgehogs and large insects.
In winter, they go to vegetable warehouses, industrial zones and gardens. In winter, this agile predator wears a white fur coat. In summer, the upper part of its body is reddish-brown, and the lower part is yellowish-white. In autumn and winter, it migrates through areas where humans are active. The ermine is also found in the wild.
