Nocturnal Animals

Elementary
What are nocturnal animals?

Nocturnal animals come out at night. They live in woods and other quiet places. They move around and feed while we sleep.

Here are some nocturnal animals (left). There are many others including: foxes, badgers, snails and hedgehogs.

Can they see at night?

Many nocturnal animals have poor eyesight. They rely on other senses like touch, feel and smell.

But some nocturnal animals can see very well at night. Owls, for example, have excellent night-time vision.

Can they hear well?

Nocturnal animals often need their ears more than their eyes. A wood may seem quiet at night but nocturnal animals listen for small sounds.

Where can we see nocturnal animals?

Most people don't see nocturnal animals very often. We are usually sleeping when they are out.

In zoos nocturnal animals are kept in special dark areas during the day. This makes them think it is night. Visitors can then watch them.

Owls * Hedgehogs * Snails * Bats * Crossword