In Photos: Christmas Wildlife

Christmas is synonymous with animals in the snow - just look at the nearest Christmas card! If it isn't a red-breasted robin or one of Santa's reindeer it's a polar bear or a penguin.

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Robin

The robin red-breast has been the icon of British Christmas cards since the middle of the 19th Century. Robins like to hang around humans in the hope that our activities will disturb the earth and expose their favourite meal: worms.
Reindeer

Another Christmas card stalwart are reindeer. Taking their place in Christmas celebrations due to their association with pulling Santa Clause's sleigh, reindeer are a species of deer. Also known as caribou, both sexes of reindeer have antlers, which is unusual in deer species, probably using them for clearing snow and ice away from the lichen that they feed on in deep winter.
Bird Feeder

Christmas is a great time for seeing garden birds! As your family congregates back at your family home, make sure you stock up your bird feeder with seeds, nuts and fat-balls to help your local garden birds through the harsh winter months. You may even spot a couple of gems!
Tracks

If you're lucky enough to see snow over the Christmas period why not keep an eye out for signs of animals? See if you can identify the wildlife of your area - if you're quiet you may even spot the animal that left the tracks!
Polar Bear

You're not going to see a polar bear over the Christmas period (unless you're watching Eden, looking at a Christmas card or lucky enough to travel to the Arctic) - but they're still synonymous with the festive period.
Snowshoe Hare

We were all told to dress properly when we were younger, and for some of us the message has stuck. Snowshoe hares' wide and hairy feet help it to grip and run on the top of the snow. I think we can all learn a bit about footwear functionality...
Penguins

Penguins, another Christmas wildlife hero, here highlighting every parent's Christmas day - surrounded by children! We'll let you decide whether the penguin is enjoying or ruing the attention!
Snowflake

Did you know that snowflakes are hexagonal? Make sure you cut them right when making them this Christmas!
Canadian Lodge

The perfect Christmas - tucked away from the cold.

Why not escape with Eden?

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Robin

Reindeer

Bird Feeder

Tracks

Polar Bear

Snowshoe Hare

Penguins

Snowflake

Canadian Lodge