{"id":64294,"date":"2022-11-21T11:16:32","date_gmt":"2022-11-21T10:16:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/?p=64294"},"modified":"2023-07-06T11:52:58","modified_gmt":"2023-07-06T09:52:58","slug":"animals-mountains-spring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/animals-mountains-spring\/","title":{"rendered":"Which animals can be found in the mountains in spring?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The mountains are the ideal playground for nature lovers who love to get outdoors in good weather<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, we\u2019re not the only ones who enjoy the peace and quiet of these beautiful surroundings. Many wild animals, such as marmots, golden eagles and ibexes, make their home in these mountains, far from the hustle and bustle of human life. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n Our top springtime activities in the Alps<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

If you are out and about in the mountains, it\u2019s possible that you could come face-to-face with one of these animals, whatever time of year you are visiting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, spring is probably the most difficult time to spot them. It marks the beginning of their mating season, which also means the birth and rearing of babies, so they\u2019ve got a lot to do! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if by chance, you surprise them during courtship or perhaps during their daily family walk, it\u2019s sure to be a magical and unforgettable moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, here are some of the animals you might come across during your next walk in the Alps<\/strong><\/a> this spring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t forget your binoculars!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

The ibex \u2013 the iconic animal of the Alpine summits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u2696\ufe0f Weight:<\/strong>\u00a0between 65 and 100kg for the male and 35 and 50kg for the female<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccf Size:<\/strong> between 85 and 92cm for the male and 70-78cm for the female<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf4f Diet:<\/strong> plants and grasses <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u26f0\ufe0f Where to see it?<\/strong> High up, on steep, rocky slopes<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The largest French colony of ibexes can be found in the Vanoise Park, in the Alps, so you have a good chance of seeing them if you\u2019re walking in this area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the first sign of new buds, when the high snow melts, giving way to lush green grass, it is time for the ibex to build up the weight and strength it lost during the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also time for the pregnant female to give birth, so she hides away in places that are inaccessible to predators, where she feels safe and secure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The young goat is soon up and walking, and will follow its mother onto the rocky outcrops. Just a few days after the birth, they will be on the move again, looking for fresh pastures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So if you see a herd of ibex in the spring, get out your binoculars! There\u2019s every chance that a doe could be followed closely by her young. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But although this mountain animal is usually quite approachable, it\u2019s a different matter in spring. It\u2019s very protective of its young, and won\u2019t hesitate to let you know if you are getting too close. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So it\u2019s best to admire them from a distance, rather than risk getting into trouble. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Two
Make sure to look out for ibex in the Alps in spring! \u00a9<\/strong> Maurienne Tourisme <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The fox \u2013 the most cunning of wild animals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n

\u2696\ufe0f Weight:<\/strong> 6 to 7kg on average<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccf Size:<\/strong> 40cm on average, to the withers <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf4f Diet:<\/strong> Mainly small animals, but also birds, insects and berries <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u26f0\ufe0f Where to see it?<\/strong> In forests, at dusk, or around mountain refuges<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Spring is the best time to see foxes. It\u2019s a time of increased activity for this small wild animal, which needs to feed its cubs. Born towards the end of May, the cubs are still too young to hunt on their own, so it\u2019s up to the father to bring home the food until his family is a little older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This little animal, which is easily recognisable by its flamboyant red coat, has many characteristics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s cautious and knows how to keep out of sight when it\u2019s hunting, so you\u2019ll need to be patient if you want to spot one. However, many foxes are becoming more used to humans, and will often come to mountain refuges to look for food left behind by visitors. You\u2019re more likely to see one here than in the forest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A clever animal, it can play dead if it feels in danger and will wait for its prey to let its guard down.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

\n
\"The
You have a good chance of spotting a red fox as they\u2019re becoming more and more used to humans! \u00a9<\/strong> Lesya Tyutrina<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The black grouse \u2013 a great seducer <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

\u2696\ufe0f Weight:<\/strong>\u00a01.3kg for the cocks and 1kg for the hens<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccf Size:<\/strong> about 50cm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf4f Diet:<\/strong> leaves, buds, bark, seeds, flowers, fruit and insects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u26f0\ufe0f Where to see it?<\/strong> In pine forests close to clearings, at the upper tree line<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The black grouse is a rare bird that lives in Alpine forests and is easily recognisable by its deep black and bright red plumage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you come across it in May, it will probably be during its courtship display, as it looks for a female to breed with. It\u2019s a beautiful sight to see (and hear), but be careful not to disturb it by getting too close or making too much noise. Mountain birds are particularly vulnerable at this time \u2013 any disturbance can disrupt their mating or egg-laying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, listen out for its cooing<\/a><\/strong>, which is just as impressive. Get up at dawn to have the best chance of hearing it \u2013 the grouse rises early to sing and dance undisturbed!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"The
Make sure to approach the black grouse with caution, so as to not disturb its chance of mating.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The chough, or mountain crow <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

\u2696\ufe0f Weight: <\/strong>160-240g <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccf Size:<\/strong> 38cm, with a 75cm wingspan <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf4f Diet:<\/strong> insects, berries, seeds, small fruits, the remains of your picnic and food waste<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u26f0\ufe0f Where to see it?<\/strong> In tourist areas<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you spot a black bird in the Alps, don\u2019t be deceived \u2013 it\u2019s not a rook or a raven, but a chough, a bird you\u2019ll only see in the mountains. Unlike the raven, its beak is bright yellow, its legs are red and its song is much more melodious \u2013 you can hear it by clicking here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is one of the mountain birds that you are most likely to come across when you\u2019re out walking, especially if you leave a few crumbs from your picnic!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And don\u2019t miss its dizzying aerial ballet \u2013 an unrivalled acrobat, this bird likes to soar high in the warm air currents up to its nest, hidden in the cliffs, sometimes more than 3,000m high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n Book a mountain holiday to discover these animals<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The chamois \u2013 the best climber in the Alps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u2696\ufe0f Weight:<\/strong> between 35 and 50kg <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccf Size:<\/strong> About 80cm to the withers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf4f Diet:<\/strong> vegetation and plants <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u26f0\ufe0f Where to see it?<\/strong> Halfway up the mountains, on steep, stony slopes<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This typical mountain animal can be seen all year round. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part of the same family as the ibex, the chamois has the same fondness for steep and rocky terrain, but the two species differ in many ways and are not easily confused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the characteristics that will help you identify a chamois: <\/p>\n\n\n\n