Webcam offers live view of newborn dormice in Germany

Residents and nature enthusiasts can now witness the early life stages of newborn dormice thanks to a live webcam installed in a nesting box in Leverkusen, Germany. The initiative by the Nabu Nature Conservation Union (Nabu) provides an intimate look into the lives of these elusive creatures.

The webcam, positioned within a wild dormouse nesting box, allows internet users to observe the mother dormouse caring for her litter. Currently, the seven baby dormice are described as naked, pink, and blind, relying heavily on their mother's warmth and the insulating leaves packed into the nest for survival. Regine Kossler, coordinator of the Nabu Leverkusen dormouse project, noted that the young grow rapidly thanks to nutrient-rich mother's milk.

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In the first few days after birth, the young still need a lot of warmth and are warmed by the mother and by the many leaves brought in.

Viewers can watch the dormice develop their characteristic gray fur, nurse, crawl, and become increasingly independent and playful. The Nabu project has been ongoing for twelve years, offering a rare glimpse into the natural behavior of these animals. The nesting boxes are situated in the wild, providing an authentic viewing experience.

Last year, the Leverkusen "Dormouse TV" garnered significant attention, exceeding 300,000 clicks and earning the title of Germany's most visited animal webcam. This popularity underscores a public fascination with observing wildlife in its natural habitat.

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You can watch them as they get their gray fur, are nursed, crawl, and become increasingly independent and cheeky.