Jeozwierze

Jeozwierze is a fictional mammal described in speculative biology and works of fiction. It is commonly depicted as a small to medium-sized nocturnal omnivore adapted to temperate woodlands.

Its appearance centers on a compact, rounded body about 25-35 cm long, with dense fur and a dorsal coat of short spines or quills. It has a blunt snout, small ears, and a short tail.

Jeozwierze is said to inhabit temperate forests and shrublands in the northern hemisphere in fictional contexts, often living among leaf litter, fallen logs, and dense undergrowth. In such depictions it tolerates cool winters and may enter a seasonal dormancy.

It is primarily nocturnal and omnivorous, feeding on invertebrates, berries, and seeds. It forages by scent and touch, uses leaf litter for shelter, and is preyed upon by larger carnivores and raptors in stories.

Reproduction is described as viviparous with litters of one to five offspring after about four weeks of gestation. Offspring are altricial at birth and require parental care. Lifespan is commonly portrayed as four to eight years in fiction.

Taxonomy and etymology: Jeozwierze is a constructed taxon; the name combines phonetic elements guided by Polish words jeż ('hedgehog') and zwierzę ('animal'), though its taxonomy is not part of real-world zoological nomenclature.

In fiction and popular culture, jeozwierze appears in field guides, games, and world-building exercises as a mild, forest-dwelling species representing small mammals in speculative ecosystems.