Red fox
Commonly found in mountain and hill areas, more localized in lowland. The red fox reproduces in woodlands during spring and throughout the rest of the year it can be spotted in all kinds of habitats, even in town. This species is omnivorous.
Mammals
Beech marten
Small mustelid with nocturnal habits feeding on rodents and birds (occasionally also poultry from farms); some insects and fruit may supplement its diet.
Weasel
Small elusive carnivore whose presence depends greatly on food and shelter supply, it is therefore most likely to be found in watery habitats along streams.
European hedgehog
A common omnivorous species feeding mainly on insects and earthworms, although some fruits and plants may supplement its diet. The Hedgehog hibernates over winter in a nest of leaves on the ground.
Coypu
Also known as the nutria, coypu is a large rodent originally native of South America. Formerly breeded for its fur, this species is now unfortunately widespread in wetlands where it damages river banks and competes with native animals.
Hazel dormouse
The hazel dormouse lives in woodland and hedgerows where it feeds on hazelnuts, berries and blackberries; unfortunately its presence has declined dramatically in the last few decades.
Red squirrel
Small mammal with a reddish-brown coat. A missing species in the Venetian plain until only a few decades ago, it is now widespread following a recent phase of diffusion and can be commonly found in areas where trees and shrubs provide a source of food and nesting sites. The red squirrel feeds mostly on seeds, sprouts and, occasionally, insects, eggs and mushrooms.
European badger
Quite large carnivorous animal with a distinctive black-and-white striped face. The badger is a highly adaptable species with omnivorous, nocturnal habits. The lowland population has seen an increase during the last few decades.
European water vole
The water vole has thick brown fur and lives in watery habitats along streams, rivers, ditches and by ponds; although the water vole population in Europe has declined in recent years due to habitat alterations, this species can still be found in the resurgences area.
