You might be surprised to know that Europe is home to lots of super cute, fluffy animals. Some you’ve most likely heard of, some you may have dated (kidding!), and some are totally surprising. Get in touch with your wild side with this list of adorbs European critters:
HEDGEHOGS ARE SO HOT RIGHT NOW!
The European Hedgehog (or common Hedgehog) – IT’S SO CAAUUUUTE!
This cute little guy (or girl) can be found in Western Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, and Scandinavia. It’s welcomed in European gardens as it’s known for snacking on a variety of garden pests, not to mention, it’s so darn cute!
The Long-Eared Hedgehog – Just when you thought it couldn’t get any cuter!
This big-eared ball of fluff can be found in Egypt, Russia, & Turkey as well as many other Central Asia and Middle East countries.
RASCALLY RABBITS, OR ARE THEY HARES?
The European Hare
This cotton-tailed fluff ball is native to Europe. Do you know the difference between a hare and a rabbit? Hares are actually bigger than rabbits and have longer ears and larger hind legs. And no, it’s not cuz they are hare-ier.
The European Rabbit
This smaller-than-a-hare-but-just-as-cute rabbit can be found in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
THE NOT-SO-TAME SHREW
The Common Shrew (we’re not calling you names, we promise!)
This little cutie is the most common of shrews (hence the name) and can be found throughout Northern Europe.
HAPPY HAMSTERS!
The Cuddly Common Hamster
This poof ball can be found in Belgium, Russia and all throughout Eurasia. In many European countries this cuddly creature is considered very endangered.
SQUIRREL! THEY’RE MORE THAN A DISTRACTION TACTIC
Some may think this Red Squirrel has a faux hauk! Just look!
These ginger-hued squirrels can be found in Great Britain, Italy, and Ireland but their numbers have decreased drastically in recent years (sob).
The Alpine Marmot (No, we did not get distracted. Yes, it’s a type of squirrel!)
Hey! He’s not fat, he’s just fluffy! The adorbs Alpine Marmot can be found in mountainous (shocking) areas of Europe like the Alps and the Pyrenees.
CRAZY CUTE EUROPEAN CATS
The “Woveable” Wildcat
This extremely cute animal is found throughout Europe. While you should not confuse this fluff ball with the common house cat, crossbreeding among the two is very common and actually poses a threat to the wild status of this animal. Whatcha lookin’ at?
Iberian Lynx…Cub
Who doesn’t wanna cuddle with this lil’ cub. Its older brethren live mainly in the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe. They are very endangered and considered to be the world’s most threatened species of cat and the most threatened carnivore in Europe.
THE CLEVER (AND CUTE) FOX! WHAT DOES HE SAY?
The Beautiful Corsac Fox
By Wim Stam (User:Wim stam) (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
- Cute isn’t the right word for the Corsac Fox. This beautiful and clever animal can be found in Russia as well as all throughout Central Asia.
The Rascally Red Fox
This redheaded rascal can be found all throughout the Northern Hemisphere, Europe included.
The Fox that is Kit Harrington
Not only does he have a wolf companion on G.O.T. but this British hunk is a total FOX that the lady Contikians would definitely cuddle with anytime of the day (or night).
The Golden Jackal (or a fun name for your ex)
Ok, fine you got us. Technically a jackal is not a fox. In fact it’s closer to a wolf but really the same genus of any ex (past or future). The Golden Jackal can be found in Central Europe.
WEEEE WEASELS!
The totally adorbs Least Weasel! Awwwwww
OMG! This one is soooo cute we can’t stand it! The Least Weasel can be found in much of Europe including all the major Mediterranean Islands and Russia.
The European Polecat
This weasel is known to have a “more compact” type of body (meaning they’re extra fluffy in the midsection). They hail from Western Europe.
The Beech Marten Weasel
Although its name sounds like a car, the darling Beech Marten is in fact a type of weasel native to much of Europe including Spain, Portugal, and Central Europe. If you do spot one though, be cautious, it is said that a Beech Marten can slice through a car engine cable with a single bite! Looks can be deceiving…
Bovines
The Shaggy Highland Cattle aka Scottish Cow
Makin the girls jealous with its shiny and full head of hair! Highland cattle are a Scottish breed of cow known for their wavy luxurious coats. They can be found in the Scottish Highlands and the Western Isles of Scotland.
Brown Swiss Dairy Cows
These cows can be found right on the slopes of the Alps in Switzerland. Happy cows don’t just come from California!
OH DEER!
The Majestic Reindeer
These beautiful and majestic animals of Christmas folklore migrate all throughout Northern Europe including Russia, Finland, and Norway. However, the whereabouts of the flying variety are unknown.
