The Antur
(Anturus hagensis)
The Antur (ant/turtle) is a tunnelling creature about 3.5 metres long that eats its food whole. The strong acids in its stomach nullify the poisons it encounters in its prey, which it detects under the snow with its sensitive ears and infra-red detector much like an earthly snake's. It will chase its prey through their tunnels, which it is able to do because of the shape of its body and the powerful webbed feet. The antur is covered with thick short fur to keep it warm during the long winter, and its nose is on its rear end to keep it from getting clogged with snow when it digs. The antur's tongue is made from tough material that lets it penetrate the bark of the water-bearing trees. The creature reproduces twice in a Winter year, during the cold season. Babies are born live in tunnels under the snow, and are carried by the female until they can survive on their own.
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