As some of you may have gathered, I really like learning about new animals; some of my favorites are:
Badgers, Octopi, Aardvarks, and Akitas
In the spirit of a good challenge with a chance to learn new things, I've created this multi-tier riddle that will give you all a chance to learn something about 5 different animals. To solve this riddle, you'll need patience. Each sub-riddle will be harder than the last; where the final riddle will prove to be difficult indeed as you'll need to get creative, and reflect on what you've learned.
I'll start us off easy with animal number one. Remember that each animal will be harder to find than the last and have fun learning!
Animal #1
I am heard of by many, but encountered by few.
Most humans fear me, but tis I who fear you.
I'm active all summer, and sleep until spring;
When I go and I wait, for food that flies without wings.
Animal #2
Where I am from, it is bitter and cold;
This is one reason, I won't get too old.
My home is a burrow, under the snow;
It's where I stay warm, until I must go.
All through the winter, I wander around;
To gather my food, I must not be found.
An interesting fact, on how I was born;
You used to believe, I came from a storm.
Animal #3
My children drink milk, as all mammals do; but as we get older, we forage for food.
Under the leaves, and into the grass; my species is known, as lightest in class.
Animal #4
There's no where to hide, and no where to run;
I can honestly say, this will be fun.
I'm known for my spots, and confused for another;
The first thing you'll think, is my bigger brother.
Round like a dish, my ears are distinct;
In order to find me, I'll force you to think.
I hope you enjoyed finding the animals above! I learned a few things along my path to creating these riddles, and it took a while to pick the animals I wanted to use.
The Hunt is Coming to an End
You've found all my brethren, this much is true;
T'was one who informed me, from which you need two.
I am as small as can be, but not small like three;
From this animal, six and eleven you need.
You'll need to see two, he has six and four;
And four has seven, but you need one more.
If you can find me, I'm one of a kind;
I resemble two animals, as I even have spines.
I'm one of five in my class, and three are my brothers;
Once we were born, we lived in our mother.
Nearly a year had gone by, but I moved on my own;
To search for a place, forever to roam.
Hint
You're looking quite hard, tis this I can tell; the point being numbers, on which you will dwell. When working with numbers, it may not be seen; that some of these numbers refer back to me.
Note: Though I would prefer for the fifth riddle to be solved with the answer explaining the pattern I hid within it, I will accept an answer that lists all five animals. If the accepted answer does not contain the pattern I used, then I will add my own answer to explain it.
As a final request, I would like to know what you thought of my riddles with your answer; did they make you think? Did you learn anything new? What did you find the most interesting?