Last year I wrote a blog about a victory for dormice in South Wales, where a bridge was built across a bypass so they could travel safely through their habitat. Yesterday I learned that this threatened species has also had a victory in Surrey, England. Officials of the Surrey Wildlife Trust have built a thousand nesting boxes in twenty-two woodlands for dormice and are monitoring them to make sure they breed and survive.
My friend Elsa sent me a video of one of those Surrey dormice snoring away in someone’s palm. The hibernating mouse had been taken from her nest, weighed, and checked to make sure she had enough fat reserves to keep her going till spring. Apparently, she never woke during the procedure. That’s serious sleeping.
And it’s no surprise. Dormice get their name from the Anglo-Saxon dormeus, which means “sleepy one,” because they hibernate up to six months a year. In the video you’ll never see a creature so zonked out or hear such loud snores from such a tiny mouth. The adjective “cute” must have been invented just for her. Look at her curled fists! Enjoy!
I have never in my life seen a cuter “sleepy one” in my life. Thank you for bringing these darling creatures to everyone’s attention. Her fists curl up just like a newborn baby.
You’re welcome! Isn’t she the dearest little creature?
Kristin, I didn’t know about the nesting boxes in Surrey — how wonderful!
I’m so glad that people are watching out for those dear creatures!
This is so wonderful, Kristin! Thank you!
Thank you for responding! How can we not love that dear dormouse?!
the Brits have always been pretty cool to their small critters. they’ve built tunnels under roadways for hedgehogs for many years, for example.
Yes, and there was a tunnel for toads to cross the road, too. I love the Brits for their good hears.
The tiny fists are just too much! Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome! And aren’t those tiny fists fantastic?!
Tiniest case of sleep apnea I’ve ever seen!
I know! Isn’t that dear creature adorable!
Actually, I’m kind of surprised at the snoring. I would think it would attract predators. It sure was cute though.
Nancy