As a solitary animal, it dens and hibernates in caves and tree hollows, usually choosing the birch forests, which tend to be at higher elevations.

Forages in grasslands, meadows and forests for food such as grains, nuts and fish.

Can live between 20 and 30 years in the wild.

Very dominant predator, and its only real threats are humans, wolves and cougars. Habitat loss has affected the population and even caused extinction in Egypt, Israel, Lebanon and Syria.

Lives in areas of northern Armenia, Abkhazia, Iran, Iraq and Turkey.