Mammals

Mammals

Rat

A rat the size of a cat and New York’s ‘rat czar’: The surprising reason behind the surge in these super-breeders

Is it really true that you're never more than 6ft from a rat? While this figure is debatable, rat populations are booming in both cities and rural areas
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Muddy brown and white beagle seen from behind

It's not know what causes this rare, deadly, flesh-eating dog disease that leads to severe depression, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Here's what to know

There have been 292 confirmed cases of Alabama Rot disease in the UK, with 2 confirmed in 2023. Find out what Alabama dog rot is, the signs and symptoms, and how to protect your dog, in our expert guide.
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Red deer stags

Breathtaking red deer photos reveal power and majesty of these huge land animals

Dramatic images of red deer – from the snowy mountains of Scotland to London's misty parks.
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Can rabbits and hares crossbreed

Can rabbits and hares crossbreed?

Can these similar-looking species crossbreed? Do harrabbits exist? Sheena Harvey takes a look
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How can you tell if a badger sett is active?

How can you tell if a badger sett is active?

We take a look at the tell tale signs that a badger is at home
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Brown hare (Lepus europaeus) is the most commonly seen species of hare in the UK/Credit: Mike Lane, Getty Images

It has a top speed of 72kph, can leap almost 2 metres high and could win Olympic gold in boxing

Spotting a hare is an incredible wildlife spectacle and early spring is the ideal time to spot them. Learn more about the hare species found in the UK, including the brown hare in our expert guide.
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Getty

What is Britain's biggest predator?

It may surprise you but Britain's biggest predator is not much bigger than a pet cat
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muntjac

It's the size of a Labrador and barks like a dog, yet has fangs like a snake. Meet one of the weirdest wild animals in the UK – and the world

Curious about these charming creatures? Our guide offers a glimpse into the world of secretive muntjac deer
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Frontal closeup of a large Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) stag bellowing, with mouth open, during the September-October reproduction period known as the rut. The females, known as hinds, are initially attracted to those males that both roar most often and have the loudest roar call.

It weighs the same as a mountain gorilla and is as tall as an emperor penguin: Meet the biggest wild land animal in the UK

Field vole eating

What's the most common wild animal in the UK? It will probably surprise you...

With a population estimated at 75 million, this humble rodent quietly rules Britain’s wild spaces – yet it often goes unnoticed by most of us.
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Wood mouse among the leaves

What’s the most common mouse in the UK?

From gardens to woodlands, millions of mice scurry across the UK. But which species is the most common?
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Common pipistrelle bat

What’s the most common bat in the UK?

It has been estimated that there could be a billion bats around the world – but which is the most common bat to be found in the UK?
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Pine marten standing in forest

It's incredibly cute, about the size of a pet cat – and hardly ever seen. Meet a highly secretive woodland creature

Thanks to ongoing reintroduction projects, pine martens are making a comeback in the UK – learn all about the elusive species with our expert guide to pine martens, including what they eat and best places to see one.
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Roe deer walking through the forest between flowers with trees in the background

What’s the most common deer in the UK?

It has been widely reported that there are two million deer in the UK – but which is the most common species to be found in the UK?
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Mink

This deadly predator may look cute but don't be fooled as, although it's as small as a ferret, it can outrun your dog and kill animals considerably larger than itself

What is an American mink and how did they end up in the UK? What do they eat, where do they live and what is their environmental impact? Learn all about this controversial species with our comprehensive guide to mink.
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Red deer rut in Richmond Park

Staggering footage shows two enormous animals the size of lions battling in a London park

See the incredible power of red deer in this dramatic video recorded in London's Richmond Park.
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Wild wallabies UK

This odd kangaroo-like animal is native to Australia – but it's been spotted roaming wild on a Scottish island

Surely the UK doesn't have any wallabies? Well, you may be surprised...
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Big cat Banksy artwork

Where are big cats roaming wild in the UK? We take a look at the leopards and pumas supposedly on the run

We take a look at the big cats - both real and legend – that have roamed the wilds of the UK
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Could rabies have entered Britain? British animal found with rare rabies-causing virus

Rabies-like virus discovered in British bat
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Common Dormouse, muscardinus avellanarius, Pair in Nest, Normandy

One of Britain's rarest and CUTEST animals to be reintroduced to Leicestershire for the first time ever

A landmark conservation effort is underway to restore hazel dormice to their former range around the UK
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A large Alaskan Bull Moose makes his way across a field to the seclusion of the forest

Moose vs elk – what’s the difference between these two giant deer?

Are moose and elk the same animal or different species entirely? We clear up the confusion on the peculiar naming conventions of these two large deer species
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Otter in pond

“As I got closer, I saw its tail": astonished gardener finds large animal in pond

Kerry Irwin-Hall had snuck out at dawn in the hope of seeing ducks nesting, but what she spotted was even more amazing.
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Fox and dog

Can foxes and dogs crossbreed?

For a long time, scientists believed that dogs and foxes couldn’t produce offspring together — but a groundbreaking discovery in Brazil has challenged that belief.
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fox vs dog

What's the difference between a fox and a dog? Cunning vs companion – we discover what really sets these canines apart

Just how closely related are dogs and foxes? We take a look
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