It was almost magical to see them against the water with the cliffs in the background.
There is a lot of farmland throughout Ireland, so sheep and cows are found everywhere. Since these animals have been domesticated for hundreds of years, there are no completely wild ones left. Hedgehogs are another animal that are seen often here, and have adjusted to the environment so well that they are considered "naturalized." They are found in the yards of locals, and in other areas as well. Unfortunately, I haven't been lucky enough to cross paths with one. Red foxes are also a common wild animal here that I have yet to see! At Queen's University, students keep track of the numbers of red foxes seen in the area.
Sheep and cows are both 'hardy' animals, so they can survive all kinds of weather conditions. They are practically all on farms, where their owners protect them. Red foxes are also very adaptable to different kinds of environmental conditions, and live in both the city and the countryside. Hedgehogs search for places they can nest, like scrubs, sheds and woodsy areas. They do not like to be in wet areas, but like foxes, are found in both the city and countryside. They hibernate for winter, and burrow in the dryer areas where they can build tunnels!
The main harm farmers worry about with their animals is disease. However, since Ireland is an island, and pretty isolated, this is not as big of a risk as it would be in other countries. If disease comes from animals who are shipped here, there could be problems. Another worry is habitat loss.
