Fox cubs. Photo, Neil Bygrave
Mighty Mammals
Mammals
Mammals are a group of animals that mostly have fur (or hair!), they give birth to live young and are able to give milk to their young. This includes animals like foxes, badgers, mice and humans! It also includes some animals that live in the sea - like seals, dolphins and whales! In this section we will provide some fun activities for you to explore the mighty world of mammals that live the UK, provide some craft inspiration and ideas on how to help look after some of them whilst at home.
You can also discover more and about what wild mammals live in the UK by clicking here!
White-beaked Dolphin Credit: Caroline Weir
How are dolphins and whales mammals if they don't have hair?
These guys are the exception to the rule when it comes to hair - but they are just like other mammals in that they give birth to live young and feed them milk - they also breathe through lungs like us and do not have GILLS (which is what sharks and other fish use to breathe).
Marine Mammal Facts
Marine Mammal Guide
Discover Mammals on your doorstep
Meat-eating Mammal Guide
Small Mammal Guide
Footprint Tracker
If you are lucky enough to have a sand pit you could try this activity. If you don't have access to any sand - try putting white paper in the tray - then surround the tray with wet mud (Water it before you go to bed) hopefully by morning you might find somebodies tracks in the tray!
Nut Detective
Have you noticed nibbled hazelnuts on the floor before? Have a look for them by hedgerows next time you go for a walk or look in your garden if you have a hazel tree or hedge. Look carefully... who do you think has eaten the nuts!?
Photo, Hugh Clark
But Bats fly!?
Aren't bats birds because they fly? NO. Bats are the only mammals to actually fly! They have fur, have live young and yep you got it - give their young milk! Check out the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project for lots more information about bats in Devon AND watch some cool videos of bats!
Indoor Crafts
Make your own Footprint Stamp
Dolphin Colouring Sheets
How to help Mammals
How to Make a Bat Box
How to Make a Simple Hedgehog Home
Thanks to South West Water for supporting the production of these online marine resources
Thanks to Player's of the Peoples Postcode Lottery for supporting the production of these online resources
Join the Conversation
Everyday we are posting ideas for things to do on our Facebook page. If you've taken part in any of these activities, take a photo and get an adult to share it with us and help inspire others to get involved!
