Animals in France

Habitats and animals of France are quite diverse. Northern France boasts many forests and is divided into two types of habitats. The oceanic part falls to the west. The continental is in the east and central regions. The Mediterranean is in the south. Mountainous regions are the Alps in the east and the Pyrenees in the south.

Native forests are home to creatures such as Wild boars, hedgehogs, shrews, Pine Martens, Roe and Red deer, Brown bears, and foxes. Raccoon dogs made their way from Russia and live along rivers. The Edible Dormouse lives in large groups in woodlands throughout the country, except the northwest and Aquitaine regions. The Genet, a relative of the Civet, also likes to live in the forest or along rocky terrain. Red squirrels are protected throughout the continent, though are prevalent in France. Stag beetles, whose number is declining, like to live in rotting wood. Be careful when burning wood, as a Fire Salamander may be inside.

Wolves had been eradicated in the Alp mountains back in the 1920s but have been making a strong return near the Italian border. Midwife toads live along garden walls in the mountainous and coastal regions. Look to the sky for eagles and falcons and below to see alpine hares, marmots, and chamois in French mountains.

Along the Mediterranean, beware the European or Mediterranean black widow spider whose venom causes serious illness, though not necessarily fatal. Catch lobster and crayfish while watching flamingos, egrets, herons, terns and buntings.

Stone Martens are found all over France. They are particularly fond of taking up residence in people's homes and car motors. Frelons are hornets found primarily in the western region, building large paper nests. Muskrats and Coypu destroy waterways and are considered a pest. European beavers are found in the Rhone river basin. Fish for eels, perch, salmon, trout and more in rivers. Marbled newts inhabit gardens and wet areas. Storks live in the north, while pheasants and partridges live in the south.