We all know the truth about cats and dogs. They’re secretly plotting our demise with adorable antics that keep us distracted from our lives, both online and in the real world.
But what about wild animals? Usually the subject of serious documentaries, nature’s fauna seem to have a more mature approach to life than your average piano-playing cat or yoga-loving dog. But that doesn’t mean they’re not adorable!
Meet six of the cutest wild animals you’ve seen, all hailing from the cold upper reaches of Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido. From fluffy carnivores to a genuine Pikachu lookalike, these little critters will melt your heart!
1. Ezo momonga
The photos below are from Twitter user Pop Shiretoko 360, a wildlife photographer who moved to Hokkaido five years ago. Amongst his collection is the adorable Ezo momonga, a type of flying squirrel endemic to the area.
https://twitter.com/Popshiretoko360/status/577377274321760257It’s small enough to sit in the palm of your hand, it eats with tiny hands while looking at you with gorgeous, enormous eyes and it FLIES. It’s no wonder Twitter users in Japan have fallen in love with this little guy.
https://twitter.com/Popshiretoko360/status/578456113395290112The Ezo momonga is so beloved it features on Sapporo’s rechargeable transport card, the Kitaca.
2. Ezo Fukuro
Also persevering through the cold winters alongside the flying squirrel is the Ezo Fukuro, Hokkaido’s resident owl species.
森の中のエゾフクロウ☺︎ pic.twitter.com/lZmEcrNeNl
— POPshiretoko360 (@Popshiretoko360) March 19, 2015
Ezo, Hokkaido’s historical name, is commonly applied to native birds and animals in the area. This owl blends in so perfectly with its surroundings it becomes one with the trees.
そろそろお別れ☺︎ pic.twitter.com/aHBM24ivdd
— POPshiretoko360 (@Popshiretoko360) March 3, 2015
▼ Awww… snug as a bug in a tree trunk
エゾフのアクビ☺︎ pic.twitter.com/aJ97tqvnLz
— POPshiretoko360 (@Popshiretoko360) March 7, 2015
3. Hokkaido Red Fox
▼Next up we have Hokkaido’s red fox. Don’t be fooled by that smouldering stare, though…
久しぶりのキツネ☺︎ pic.twitter.com/uJN3OkGCVS
— POPshiretoko360 (@Popshiretoko360) March 9, 2015
▼ Foxes can be cute as kittens too!
キツネ、眩しいよ〜☺︎ pic.twitter.com/4NWgzbN5RT
— POPshiretoko360 (@Popshiretoko360) March 18, 2015
キツネ、こうやって寝れば眩しくない☺︎ pic.twitter.com/VrNgjfxEFa
— POPshiretoko360 (@Popshiretoko360) March 18, 2015
4. Hokkaido Crying Rabbit
And now to what many see as the inspiration for Pikachu. The Ezo Naki Usagi, the Hokkaido Crying Rabbit, belongs to a family of mammals known as Pika. No, seriously.
雪の上のエゾヤチネズミ☺︎ pic.twitter.com/OwL7yLtGzh
— POPshiretoko360 (@Popshiretoko360) March 18, 2015
The tiny, mouse-like rabbit collects greenery throughout the warmer months, storing it in rocky crevices to feast on once the snow sets in.
頑張って登るエゾヤチネズミ☺︎ pic.twitter.com/BMrAhiIWUy
— POPshiretoko360 (@Popshiretoko360) March 12, 2015
後ろから見てもエゾヤチネズミ☺︎ pic.twitter.com/dZN9ayhgDO
— POPshiretoko360 (@Popshiretoko360) March 12, 2015
5. Ezo Risu
The Ezo Risu, a breed of squirrel, is another contender for cute wild animal of the year.
冬の森のエゾリス☺︎ pic.twitter.com/qbXh7KtXyN
— POPshiretoko360 (@Popshiretoko360) March 15, 2015
The Hokkaido red squirrel occupies most of its time foraging for nuts and berries.
夢中で食べるエゾリス☺︎ pic.twitter.com/SGZnyNXd6F
— POPshiretoko360 (@Popshiretoko360) March 15, 2015
昨日のおまけ、エゾリス☺︎ pic.twitter.com/R3Mo1hRXJ0
— POPshiretoko360 (@Popshiretoko360) March 2, 2015
6. Iizuna
Last but definitely not least we have the Iizuna, an adorably fluffy, snow-white Least Weasel.
イイズナのおまけ☺︎ pic.twitter.com/kL8LqVmGPk
— POPshiretoko360 (@Popshiretoko360) March 10, 2015
With a head as wide as its neck, this gorgeous animal can often be found peering gracefully over mounds of snow.
しつこいけどイイズナです☺︎ pic.twitter.com/jbZnk6ysT0
— POPshiretoko360 (@Popshiretoko360) March 8, 2015
Although they’re cute, encounters with these beauties are fleeting as their snowy whiteness and incredible speed means they’re likely to disappear as soon as they’re spotted.
今日の主役は初登場のイイズナ☺︎ pic.twitter.com/QXBiKis2t6
— POPshiretoko360 (@Popshiretoko360) March 8, 2015
These six cuties prove that even the harshest environments can nurture beauty in a number of forms. Which one was your favourite?
Source: トゥギャッチ
Images: Pop Shiretoko 360, Hokkaido Railway Company
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