WILD PROSPECTS
article of 09.02.2023
LOOK OUT
Kids can pick up their wild animal memory game at the front desk at any time. Who finds the most animal pairs?
DEER — THE LIKES OF BAMBI
For about a month after their birth, fawn deer have white spots on their backs — while older and adult animals have russet fur. By the way: deer have an incredibly sophisticated sense of smell — they can smell people from a distance of 300 to 400 yards.
GOLDEN EAGLE — FEATHERY FLYING OBJECT (FFO)
Golden eagles nest in cliff faces and on tall trees — they are snowy white when they first see the light of day. Adult golden eagles are brown in color and have a wingspan of two whole yards! In spite of their imposing size, they are highly agile and look weightless as they travel across the skies.
MARMOT — SOMEWHERE BETWEEN A SQUIRREL AND A MOLE
Marmots are large rodents, averaging around half a meter in length and weighing around 15.5 lbs. They spend their nights sleeping in their underground burrows and their days above ground on meadows and rocks. To greet each other, they put their heads together and rub noses.
SNOW GROUSE — THE MOUNTAIN CHAMELEON
Alpine snow grouse molt three times a year — their feathers adapt to the seasons: snowy white in winter to beige and grayish brown in the summer. In the fall, their family groups join together to form flocks of up to 300 birds.
IBEX — INSPIRATION FOR CAPRICORN, ASTROLOGY MEETS ARLBERG
In our part of the world, the Capricorn constellation is best visible in the summer and fall — and the same is true for its namesake here on the mountain. The males can be identified by their large, round horns and goatee.
MAGPIE — UNFORGOTTEN TREASURES
When they aren’t in the air, black and white magpies love to spend their time hopping around on the ground. Magpies are among the most intelligent birds in the world — and they hide their loot in the most varied locations. For this, they dig a small hole and then cover it with earth. They never struggle to find their secret stash again later.
LENI
Leni, a female Magyar Vizsla, is the Burg princess. You can usually find her on a cushioned couch indoors, or otherwise you may spot her as a cinnamon - colored spot in a cable car: Leni absolutely loves cable cars. Her owner Patricia takes her up to the Kriegeralpe at least once a day.
KESTREL — GEOMETRICAL FEATHERS
Kestrels can be easily identified by their black and brown pattern and yellow feet. They are also easy to spot during their “stationary flight.” That’s when they hover high above the ground with their tail feathers spread out, beating their wings and keeping an eye out for prey.
CHAMOIS — FROM THE PETTING ZOO TO THE MOUNTAIN
Chamois are basically goats living on the mountain. They are incredibly gifted climbers — and chamois kids are able to follow their mothers across difficult terrain only a few hours after their birth. Their favorite snacks are young mountain rose, juniper and pine shoots.