These animals inhabit familiar territories, which they prefer not to leave. This species likes to live in abandoned burrows of European badgers and foxes. They do not often make their own dens in the earth. European polecats can also inhabit haystacks as well as rotting hollowed out trees and not only underground homes. Where these animals live is determined by the landscape they choose to inhabit. The predator eats all types of rodents, various insects, reptiles and birds. Hunting lizards and even poisonous snakes is not that big of a challenge for this carnivore. European polecats also enjoy eating adult as well as baby birds. The animals also love feeding on bird eggs, hence they never miss out on an opportunity to destroy a nest. These mammals, by their nature, are very energetic, agile and inquisitive. In the wild as well as in captivity or within households, they prefer hunting and being active at dusk. European polecats are excellent tree climbers and splendid swimmers. When they are not asleep, these animals are full of energy and simply cannot stay in one place. The mammal prefers to live only within one territory of its own. This species lines its burrows, which it either finds abandoned or digs out, with grass and leaves. Sometimes (in winters), these animals can live in people’s barns, storerooms and basements. In farming communities, European polecats have a reputation of being real troublemakers. After all, they often steal hens and rabbits right from people’s front yards. Such incidents usually happen during famines but not always. In the wild, the European polecat’s enemies can be said to include foxes, wolves, wild cats, large birds of prey, big poisonous snakes, owls and golden eagles. 

 
The small predator has a very beautiful dense coat with a thick underfur. The latter stops this animal from getting wet even if it remains in the water for a long time.

 
The Russian mink’s daily diet may consist of rodents, fish, crustaceans, semi-aquatic creatures and insects. When these predators live near settlements, they sneak into barns and hen-houses, and skillfully catch domestic poultry.

 
Eurasian minks prefer eating fresh food. If it is not available, they can even go hungry but for no more than 4 days. One may quite often spot these animals up in the trees. They can feast on birds’ eggs up there. European minks primarily live in forests and fairly close to water bodies, i.e. rivers, ponds, lakes, etc. They prefer to inhabit, breed and hunt in relatively small territories.

These animals build their nesting chambers in dense reeds and bushes. The mammals either make their own burrows or use existing holes in the ground, i.e. natural depressions in the soil, small crevices, abandoned rats’ burrows or tree hollows. The Russian mink’s den remains in continuous use. It can abandon its home only for tow reasons: due to flooding or the absence of food during the winter season. Its burrow is not usually large but it is divided into several sections. There is a main area for sleeping, a toilet and several exits. One of them always leads to a water source, another into brushwood. This animal’s burrow is lined with available natural materials, such as feathers, moss, leaves and dry grass.

 
Eurasian minks are especially active when it is dark. However, if their hunt at night is unsuccessful, these animals can give it another go in the daytime. By nature, they are unfriendly but not aggressive. These mammals prefer to lead solitary lifestyles. The small predators live up to 10 years of age, maximum. However, in captivity, their lifespans are much longer, i.e. more than 15 years. Their natural enemies can be said to include predators such as lynxes, bears, wolves, Eurasian otters, owls, hawks and Eurasian eagle-owls. At present, the only reason European minks are not hunted extensively is because they are bred on special farms for their fur these days. This animal has been on the Red List of Threatened Species since 1996.

The Siberian weasel’s legs are short, with partially webbed feet. Its beautiful and bushy tail is this animal’s pride and joy. It reaches 18 to 20 centimeters in length. In winter, this mammal’s coat is orangish-yellow, while in summer time — orangish-red. Its fur is very thick and soft in winters. The molt occurs in March-May. 

 
In winter time, Eurasian bitterns migrate south. They return home in April to May and build their nests in a quiet place. Typically, their abodes are simply a heap of bulrush stalks and leaves with a hollow at the top. The bird lays up to 6 eggs in it. 

 
Great bitterns return to Russia from warmer regions in early spring. The migrations south take place from the end of September to the beginning of October, although some birds leave only after it snows for the first time. Eurasian bitterns travel alone in spring as well as autumn. Molting occurs once a year from August to January. In other words, feather replacement often continues once these birds have migrated elsewhere for the winter. 

 
Great bitterns are active when it is dark. Just as many herons, they can stand perfectly still for a long time awaiting their prey, which they grab lightning fast. During the day, the bird stands motionless, typically on one leg, in thick undergrowth, with its head pulled in towards its body and feathers raised. It is difficult to notice it even if you are nearby. These birds differ from their well-known white as snow “relatives” in size and color. The feathers on the great bittern’s back are black with yellow edges while those on its stomach are ochre-colored with lateral lines. Its legs are light green and the bill is black. At even the slightest sign of danger, the bird ‘stands to attention’, raises its bill up high and remains perfectly still. Having adapted such a pose, it completely blends into the surrounding vegetation. The bird can remain motionless for hours, and yet it carefully watches fish and amphibians swimming nearby, ready to attack at any given moment. 

 
The Eurasian bittern eats fish and frogs that it catches with its pointed bill from its hiding spot. These birds can destroy nearby nests, hence they do not venture far from their own abodes. They feed their offspring with tadpoles. 

It is not easy for just about anyone to catch a glimpse of this bird, but many have heard it. The sounds made by the great bittern coming from a foggy swamp can be truly frightening. They resemble the noises made by someone’s feet smacking against the water; the gurgling of a water sprite; the sighs of mermaids, and children crying. It is quite possible that many of the stories told by tourists about mysterious creatures circling their tents all night long have been inspired by these strange noises. The Eurasian bittern produces these sounds by swelling its esophagus, thus transforming it into a resonating organ. In fact, its apt name in Russian, “vyp”, clearly comes from the words “vyt” (howl) and “vopyt” (scream). In reality, the great bittern is a harmless bird, although it can injure one’s eyes and arms with its sharp bill if it feels completely trapped. Hence, it is best not to touch this bird, especially since it was added to Russia’s and Kemerovo Oblast’s Red List of Threatened Species.