Gruffalo Supporting Cast - Animal Facts
Words by Micro ScootersApril 22, 2024
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3 minutes
There's no such thing as a Gruffalo (or at least that's what we're told), but there are most definitely such things as mice, foxes, owls and snakes.
Gruffalo Mouse
1. Mice are known to be organised, tidy and very clean. Their underground homes have specific areas for shelter, toilets, and food storage. Now that's impressive!
2. Mice are known for being incredibly intelligent. They can solve complex problems and demonstrate cognitive skills that rival those of larger mammals. Their intelligence enables them to adapt to various environments and swiftly navigate obstacles. No wonder the Gruffalo mouse outwits everyone in the story!
3. Mice play a vital role in ecosystems. As prey for numerous predators, mice contribute to the intricate balance of ecosystems, serving as a crucial component in food chains and ecological dynamics.
Gruffalo Fox
1. What does the fox say? I hear you ask. Well, foxes are very vocal animals. Their vocal repertoire is vast: They whine, yelp, growl, bark, and can produce many other voices. They can make more than 40 different sounds.
2. Red foxes have excellent hearing, which helps them identify prey underground. Red foxes can reportedly hear a watch ticking from 40 yards (36.5 meters) away!
3. Foxes live in a "den" made by digging a hole in the ground.
4. A female fox is called a vixen. A male fox is called a dog fox or a tod. Baby foxes are called pups, kits, or cubs. A group of foxes is called a skulk, leash, or earth.
Gruffalo Owl
1. Owls can't move their eyes and must move their heads to look around. Tawny Owls can turn their heads through 270 degrees.
2. Owls are members of the Strigiformes order, which contains over 200 species! They range in size from about 15cm to 70cm, with wingspans between 0.5 and 2 metres.
3. All owls in the UK are protected, but did you know there are only five species of owl native to the UK? These owls are:
• The Barn Owl
• The Tawny Owl
• The Little Owl
• The Short-eared Owl
• The Long-eared Owl.
4. A group of owls is called a parliament.
Gruffalo Snake
1. Snakes live on every continent except for Antarctica. These versatile creatures have adapted to various environments, from South America's rainforests to Africa's deserts.
2. Snakes have an extraordinary way of eating. Their jaws are connected by flexible ligaments, enabling them to stretch their mouths wide open to swallow prey much larger than their head.
3. Snakes are ectothermic and rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature. Basking in the sun or finding shade allows them to maintain their ideal temperature for digestion and other bodily functions.
4. Snakes don't have eyelids, but they do have transparent scales covering their eyes. This doesn't mean they're always alert; snakes can sleep with their eyes open, giving the illusion of constant vigilance.
There you have it.
Next time you venture out on a Gruffalo hunt, you can amaze your friends and family with your knowledge about his friends.
Want to look the part when on your Gruffalo Hunt? Did you know Micro Scooters have a Gruffalo by Micro range of scooters and accessories? You can find our exclusive Gruffalo and Friends-themed light-up scooters, helmets, lunch bags and much more on our website, all exquisitely designed and engineered to keep adventurers aged 12 months to 12 years happy for years to come.