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  • Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus Length 40-55cm Familiar, long-eared social burrowing mammal. Lives in tunnel complexes called warrens. Mainly nocturnal or crepuscular; diet is vegetarian. Adult has mainly greyish brown fur with rufous nape and pale greyish underparts. Long ears have rounded, brown tips and tail is dark above and white below. Legs are long but relatively shorter than those of Brown Hare. squeals loudly in alarm. Introduced to Britain but now widespread and common in grassland, scrub and on roadside verges.
    127611.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    135710.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    144308.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    101130.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    101294.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    133609.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    133610.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    135709.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    136102.jpg
  • Badger Meles meles Length 65-80cm Distinctive nocturnal mammal. Daytime spent in tunnel complex (a sett). Omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Facial markings are unmistakable and iconic. Adult has coarse fur, greyish on back and flanks, and blackish on underside and legs. Head is elongated into a snout marked with longitudinal black and white stripes. Legs are short, and blunt tail has a white tip. Mostly silent. Locally common where farmland, meadows and woods occur side by side; also occurs on fringes of suburbia.
    144236.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    144309.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    144311.jpg
  • Mountain Hare Lepus timidus Length 45-60cm Has shorter ears and more compact body than Brown Hare. Tail is uniformly white and ears are tipped black. Adult Scottish race has greyish brown coat in summer, palest on underparts and most rufous on head. Underfur is blue grey. In winter, acquires thick, whitish coat except for buffish nose. Adult Irish race has reddish brown summer coat and variably buffish brown and white winter coat. Mostly silent. Scottish animals favour heather moors and mountains. Irish Hares favour more grassy habitats.
    102212.jpg
  • Deer Hair In Barbed Wire
    133761.jpg
  • Mountain Hare Lepus timidus Length 45-60cm Has shorter ears and more compact body than Brown Hare. Tail is uniformly white and ears are tipped black. Adult Scottish race has greyish brown coat in summer, palest on underparts and most rufous on head. Underfur is blue grey. In winter, acquires thick, whitish coat except for buffish nose. Adult Irish race has reddish brown summer coat and variably buffish brown and white winter coat. Mostly silent. Scottish animals favour heather moors and mountains. Irish Hares favour more grassy habitats.
    100376.jpg
  • Mountain Hare Lepus timidus Length 45-60cm Has shorter ears and more compact body than Brown Hare. Tail is uniformly white and ears are tipped black. Adult Scottish race has greyish brown coat in summer, palest on underparts and most rufous on head. Underfur is blue grey. In winter, acquires thick, whitish coat except for buffish nose. Adult Irish race has reddish brown summer coat and variably buffish brown and white winter coat. Mostly silent. Scottish animals favour heather moors and mountains. Irish Hares favour more grassy habitats.
    135941.jpg
  • Mountain Hare Lepus timidus Length 45-60cm Has shorter ears and more compact body than Brown Hare. Tail is uniformly white and ears are tipped black. Adult Scottish race has greyish brown coat in summer, palest on underparts and most rufous on head. Underfur is blue grey. In winter, acquires thick, whitish coat except for buffish nose. Adult Irish race has reddish brown summer coat and variably buffish brown and white winter coat. Mostly silent. Scottish animals favour heather moors and mountains. Irish Hares favour more grassy habitats.
    135943.jpg
  • Mountain Hare Lepus timidus Length 45-60cm Has shorter ears and more compact body than Brown Hare. Tail is uniformly white and ears are tipped black. Adult Scottish race has greyish brown coat in summer, palest on underparts and most rufous on head. Underfur is blue grey. In winter, acquires thick, whitish coat except for buffish nose. Adult Irish race has reddish brown summer coat and variably buffish brown and white winter coat. Mostly silent. Scottish animals favour heather moors and mountains. Irish Hares favour more grassy habitats.
    135942.jpg
  • Overlooking the beach and Duddon Estuary on Walney Island Nature Reserve, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, Uk
    154409.jpg
  • Eider Ducks on the beach at Walney Island with Peil Castle in the background, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, Uk
    154413.jpg
  • Visitor centre buildings at Walney Island Nature Reserve, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, Uk
    154415.jpg
  • Flock of Eider in flight, Walney Island, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, Uk
    154411.jpg
  • Lesser black-backed gull - Larus fuscus colonies on Walney Island Nature Reserve, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, Uk
    154417.jpg
  • Walney Lighthouse on Walney Island Nature Reserve, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, Uk
    154418.jpg
  • Overlooking the beach and Duddon Estuary on Walney Island Nature Reserve, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, Uk
    154410.jpg
  • Eider on the beach at Walney Island with Peil Castle in the background, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, Uk
    154412.jpg
  • Walney Lighthouse on Walney Island Nature Reserve, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, Uk
    154416.jpg
  • Mole Talpa europaea Length 14-18cm Burrowing, tunnel-dwelling mammal. Cylindrical body is covered in black fur. Feeds mainly on earthworms. Presence detected above ground by ‘molehills’ (spoil heaps of excavated soil). Adult has velvety fur and spade-like front feet, armed with sharp claws, and used for digging. Eyes are tiny and external ears are absent. Head is elongated into a sensitive snout. Mostly silent. Common in meadows and woods with well-drained, invertebrate-rich soil. Beneficial as a soil aerator.
    107302.jpg
  • Mole Talpa europaea Length 14-18cm Burrowing, tunnel-dwelling mammal. Cylindrical body is covered in black fur. Feeds mainly on earthworms. Presence detected above ground by ‘molehills’ (spoil heaps of excavated soil). Adult has velvety fur and spade-like front feet, armed with sharp claws, and used for digging. Eyes are tiny and external ears are absent. Head is elongated into a sensitive snout. Mostly silent. Common in meadows and woods with well-drained, invertebrate-rich soil. Beneficial as a soil aerator.
    128085.jpg
  • Pygmy Shrew Sorex minutus Length 7-10cm Our smallest land mammal. Active throughout the 24hr period. Hunts invertebrates mainly at ground level, but also climbs well and sometimes found in bird boxes. Adult has dense fur; dark brown on upperparts and flanks, contrastingly pale greyish on underparts. Note the pointed, whiskered snout, and small, beady eyes; ears partly hidden by fur. Tail is long relative to body length. Utters high-pitched squeaks. Widespread and common in woodland margins, hedgerows, meadows and moors.
    128234.jpg
  • Pygmy Shrew Sorex minutus Length 7-10cm Our smallest land mammal. Active throughout the 24hr period. Hunts invertebrates mainly at ground level, but also climbs well and sometimes found in bird boxes. Adult has dense fur; dark brown on upperparts and flanks, contrastingly pale greyish on underparts. Note the pointed, whiskered snout, and small, beady eyes; ears partly hidden by fur. Tail is long relative to body length. Utters high-pitched squeaks. Widespread and common in woodland margins, hedgerows, meadows and moors.
    136541.jpg
  • European Beaver Castor fiber Length 120-150cm including tail. Large, aquatic rodent with proportionately large head, water-repellent fur and broad, paddle-like tail used for swimming. Once hunted (for fur) close to extinction across its temperate European range. Now re-introduced in places and recovering.
    143525.jpg
  • European Beaver Castor fiber Length 120-150cm including tail. Large, aquatic rodent with proportionately large head, water-repellent fur and broad, paddle-like tail used for swimming. Once hunted (for fur) close to extinction across its temperate European range. Now re-introduced in places and recovering.
    143527.jpg
  • Pygmy Shrew Sorex minutus Length 7-10cm Our smallest land mammal. Active throughout the 24hr period. Hunts invertebrates mainly at ground level, but also climbs well and sometimes found in bird boxes. Adult has dense fur; dark brown on upperparts and flanks, contrastingly pale greyish on underparts. Note the pointed, whiskered snout, and small, beady eyes; ears partly hidden by fur. Tail is long relative to body length. Utters high-pitched squeaks. Widespread and common in woodland margins, hedgerows, meadows and moors.
    144217.jpg
  • European Beaver Castor fiber Length 120-150cm including tail. Large, aquatic rodent with proportionately large head, water-repellent fur and broad, paddle-like tail used for swimming. Once hunted (for fur) close to extinction across its temperate European range. Now re-introduced in places and recovering.
    144275.jpg
  • European Beaver Castor fiber Length 120-150cm including tail. Large, aquatic rodent with proportionately large head, water-repellent fur and broad, paddle-like tail used for swimming. Once hunted (for fur) close to extinction across its temperate European range. Now re-introduced in places and recovering.
    144280.jpg
  • American Mink Mustela vison Length 45-65cm Unwelcome introduction to Britain from North America. An active predator of aquatic life; instrumental in demise of the Water Vole. Hunts in afternoon and after dark. Swims well and buoyantly. Adult has slender body and bushy tail. Fur is soft, silky and typically dark brown. Males is larger than female. Utters high-pitched calls when alarmed. Originated from fur farms (‘liberated’ animals and escapees) and now alarmingly widespread along waterways throughout. Often the subject of eradication programmes.
    144324.jpg
  • American Mink Mustela vison Length 45-65cm Unwelcome introduction to Britain from North America. An active predator of aquatic life; instrumental in demise of the Water Vole. Hunts in afternoon and after dark. Swims well and buoyantly. Adult has slender body and bushy tail. Fur is soft, silky and typically dark brown. Males is larger than female. Utters high-pitched calls when alarmed. Originated from fur farms (‘liberated’ animals and escapees) and now alarmingly widespread along waterways throughout. Often the subject of eradication programmes.
    144325.jpg
  • American Mink Mustela vison Length 45-65cm Unwelcome introduction to Britain from North America. An active predator of aquatic life; instrumental in demise of the Water Vole. Hunts in afternoon and after dark. Swims well and buoyantly. Adult has slender body and bushy tail. Fur is soft, silky and typically dark brown. Males is larger than female. Utters high-pitched calls when alarmed. Originated from fur farms (‘liberated’ animals and escapees) and now alarmingly widespread along waterways throughout. Often the subject of eradication programmes.
    144327.jpg
  • Water Shrew Neomys fodiens Length 12-17cm Distinctive bi-coloured shrew, usually seen near freshwater. Swims well. Adult has dense fur: blackish upperparts and flanks contrast with whitish underparts. In water, fur traps a layer of air that makes submerged animal look silvery. Fringes of hairs on tail, and on relatively large hind feet, assist swimming. Utters high-pitched squeaks. Widespread except in N Scotland and on islands. Favours slow-flowing and well-vegetated streams and watercress beds. Pollution and disturbance are agents of its decline.
    102050.jpg
  • Mole Talpa europaea Length 14-18cm Burrowing, tunnel-dwelling mammal. Cylindrical body is covered in black fur. Feeds mainly on earthworms. Presence detected above ground by ‘molehills’ (spoil heaps of excavated soil). Adult has velvety fur and spade-like front feet, armed with sharp claws, and used for digging. Eyes are tiny and external ears are absent. Head is elongated into a sensitive snout. Mostly silent. Common in meadows and woods with well-drained, invertebrate-rich soil. Beneficial as a soil aerator.
    112080.jpg
  • Pygmy Shrew Sorex minutus Length 7-10cm Our smallest land mammal. Active throughout the 24hr period. Hunts invertebrates mainly at ground level, but also climbs well and sometimes found in bird boxes. Adult has dense fur; dark brown on upperparts and flanks, contrastingly pale greyish on underparts. Note the pointed, whiskered snout, and small, beady eyes; ears partly hidden by fur. Tail is long relative to body length. Utters high-pitched squeaks. Widespread and common in woodland margins, hedgerows, meadows and moors.
    119849.jpg
  • Mole Talpa europaea Length 14-18cm Burrowing, tunnel-dwelling mammal. Cylindrical body is covered in black fur. Feeds mainly on earthworms. Presence detected above ground by ‘molehills’ (spoil heaps of excavated soil). Adult has velvety fur and spade-like front feet, armed with sharp claws, and used for digging. Eyes are tiny and external ears are absent. Head is elongated into a sensitive snout. Mostly silent. Common in meadows and woods with well-drained, invertebrate-rich soil. Beneficial as a soil aerator.
    127547.jpg
  • Mole Talpa europaea Length 14-18cm Burrowing, tunnel-dwelling mammal. Cylindrical body is covered in black fur. Feeds mainly on earthworms. Presence detected above ground by ‘molehills’ (spoil heaps of excavated soil). Adult has velvety fur and spade-like front feet, armed with sharp claws, and used for digging. Eyes are tiny and external ears are absent. Head is elongated into a sensitive snout. Mostly silent. Common in meadows and woods with well-drained, invertebrate-rich soil. Beneficial as a soil aerator.
    127546.jpg
  • Mole Talpa europaea Length 14-18cm Burrowing, tunnel-dwelling mammal. Cylindrical body is covered in black fur. Feeds mainly on earthworms. Presence detected above ground by ‘molehills’ (spoil heaps of excavated soil). Adult has velvety fur and spade-like front feet, armed with sharp claws, and used for digging. Eyes are tiny and external ears are absent. Head is elongated into a sensitive snout. Mostly silent. Common in meadows and woods with well-drained, invertebrate-rich soil. Beneficial as a soil aerator.
    127553.jpg
  • Pygmy Shrew Sorex minutus Length 7-10cm Our smallest land mammal. Active throughout the 24hr period. Hunts invertebrates mainly at ground level, but also climbs well and sometimes found in bird boxes. Adult has dense fur; dark brown on upperparts and flanks, contrastingly pale greyish on underparts. Note the pointed, whiskered snout, and small, beady eyes; ears partly hidden by fur. Tail is long relative to body length. Utters high-pitched squeaks. Widespread and common in woodland margins, hedgerows, meadows and moors.
    128235.jpg
  • Grey Long-eared Bat Plecotus austriacus Wingspan 26-30cm Similar to Brown Long-eared Bat but separable with care, mainly using fur colour. Adult has long, fluffy fur, dark grey above and greyish white below. Face has dark ‘bandit’ mask and ears are even longer than Brown Long-eared’s. Wings are dark grey-brown. Squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 35-40khz range. Local, mainly coastal S England. Favours mature gardens in towns and villages and emerges after dark. Flight is slow and fluttering. Roosts in roof spaces in summer, hibernates in cellars and caves.
    135999.jpg
  • Pygmy Shrew Sorex minutus Length 7-10cm Our smallest land mammal. Active throughout the 24hr period. Hunts invertebrates mainly at ground level, but also climbs well and sometimes found in bird boxes. Adult has dense fur; dark brown on upperparts and flanks, contrastingly pale greyish on underparts. Note the pointed, whiskered snout, and small, beady eyes; ears partly hidden by fur. Tail is long relative to body length. Utters high-pitched squeaks. Widespread and common in woodland margins, hedgerows, meadows and moors.
    140866.jpg
  • American Mink Mustela vison Length 45-65cm Unwelcome introduction to Britain from North America. An active predator of aquatic life; instrumental in demise of the Water Vole. Hunts in afternoon and after dark. Swims well and buoyantly. Adult has slender body and bushy tail. Fur is soft, silky and typically dark brown. Males is larger than female. Utters high-pitched calls when alarmed. Originated from fur farms (‘liberated’ animals and escapees) and now alarmingly widespread along waterways throughout. Often the subject of eradication programmes.
    142554.jpg
  • European Beaver Castor fiber Length 120-150cm including tail. Large, aquatic rodent with proportionately large head, water-repellent fur and broad, paddle-like tail used for swimming. Once hunted (for fur) close to extinction across its temperate European range. Now re-introduced in places and recovering.
    143526.jpg
  • European Beaver Castor fiber Length 120-150cm including tail. Large, aquatic rodent with proportionately large head, water-repellent fur and broad, paddle-like tail used for swimming. Once hunted (for fur) close to extinction across its temperate European range. Now re-introduced in places and recovering.
    144276.jpg
  • European Beaver Castor fiber Length 120-150cm including tail. Large, aquatic rodent with proportionately large head, water-repellent fur and broad, paddle-like tail used for swimming. Once hunted (for fur) close to extinction across its temperate European range. Now re-introduced in places and recovering.
    144278.jpg
  • European Beaver Castor fiber Length 120-150cm including tail. Large, aquatic rodent with proportionately large head, water-repellent fur and broad, paddle-like tail used for swimming. Once hunted (for fur) close to extinction across its temperate European range. Now re-introduced in places and recovering.
    144277.jpg
  • European Beaver Castor fiber Length 120-150cm including tail. Large, aquatic rodent with proportionately large head, water-repellent fur and broad, paddle-like tail used for swimming. Once hunted (for fur) close to extinction across its temperate European range. Now re-introduced in places and recovering.
    144279.jpg
  • European Beaver Castor fiber Length 120-150cm including tail. Large, aquatic rodent with proportionately large head, water-repellent fur and broad, paddle-like tail used for swimming. Once hunted (for fur) close to extinction across its temperate European range. Now re-introduced in places and recovering.
    144282.jpg
  • American Mink Mustela vison Length 45-65cm Unwelcome introduction to Britain from North America. An active predator of aquatic life; instrumental in demise of the Water Vole. Hunts in afternoon and after dark. Swims well and buoyantly. Adult has slender body and bushy tail. Fur is soft, silky and typically dark brown. Males is larger than female. Utters high-pitched calls when alarmed. Originated from fur farms (‘liberated’ animals and escapees) and now alarmingly widespread along waterways throughout. Often the subject of eradication programmes.
    144326.jpg
  • Bank Vole - Clethrionomys glareolus. Length 13-17cm Plump, richly coloured vole. Makes underground nest and radiating shallow tunnel network; forages for seeds and fruits above ground. Adult has compact body and mainly reddish brown fur, paler and greyer on chest and belly. Relative to Field Vole, has large ears and long tail. Island ssp. are larger and heavier than mainland animals. Squeaks if alarmed. Common in deciduous woodland, hedgerows and field margins.
    158000.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    157712.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    157711.jpg
  • Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros Wingspan 19.5-25cm Smaller than Greater Horseshoe Bat but with similar facial appearance. Adult has fluffy fur, greyish brown above and paler below. Nostrils are surrounded by afleshy, horseshoe-shaped structure. Ears and wings are greyish brown. Audible squeaks heard at nursery colonies. Echolocates in 105-115kHz range. Favours open woodland, but also feeds along hedgerows; insect caught in flight and gleaned from foliage. Roosts in roofs and cellars summer, hibernates in caves and mines. Rare, restricted to SW England and W Ireland. Emerges from roosts at dusk and feeds throughout night.
    157707.jpg
  • Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros Wingspan 19.5-25cm Smaller than Greater Horseshoe Bat but with similar facial appearance. Adult has fluffy fur, greyish brown above and paler below. Nostrils are surrounded by afleshy, horseshoe-shaped structure. Ears and wings are greyish brown. Audible squeaks heard at nursery colonies. Echolocates in 105-115kHz range. Favours open woodland, but also feeds along hedgerows; insect caught in flight and gleaned from foliage. Roosts in roofs and cellars summer, hibernates in caves and mines. Rare, restricted to SW England and W Ireland. Emerges from roosts at dusk and feeds throughout night.
    157706.jpg
  • Brandt’s Bat Myotis brandtii Wingspan 21-25cm Small, poorly studied bat. Similar to Whiskered Bat. Adult has long, fluffy fur, yellowish brown above and greyish below. Ears are dark brown, shorter than those of Whiskered. Wings are dark brown and rather narrow. Utters twittering squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 40-80khz range. Favours open woodland. Full range is poorly known but widespread in Wales and W and N England. Sometimes emerges from roost in late afternoon. Flight is rapid with short glides. Roosts in buildings, roofs and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in tunnels, tree holes and cellars.
    157699.jpg
  • Grey Seal - Halichoerus grypus - male and female.  Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
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  • Grey Seal - Halichoerus grypus - female.  Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
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  • Grey Seal - Halichoerus grypus - Bull. Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
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  • Otter - Lutra lutra. Adult male killed on the road.  Length 95-135cm Sinuous swimmer with a bounding gait on land. Feeds mainly on fish. Adult has long, cylindrical body, with short legs and long, thickset tail. Blunt head has sensitive bristles and toes are webbed. Coat is mainly brown but chin, throat and belly are whitish. Fur has water-repellent properties: sleek in water but ‘spiky’ when dry. Mostly silent. Persecuted and poisoned (by agricultural pesticides) until mostly extinct in lowland Britain by 1960s. Now recovering and recolonising former haunts.
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  • Rabbit - Black Form Oryctolagus cuniculus Length 40-55cm Familiar, long-eared social burrowing mammal. Lives in tunnel complexes called warrens. Mainly nocturnal or crepuscular; diet is vegetarian. Adult has mainly greyish brown fur with rufous nape and pale greyish underparts. Long ears have rounded, brown tips and tail is dark above and white below. Legs are long but relatively shorter than those of Brown Hare. squeals loudly in alarm. Introduced to Britain but now widespread and common in grassland, scrub and on roadside verges.
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  • Brandt’s Bat Myotis brandtii Wingspan 21-25cm Small, poorly studied bat. Similar to Whiskered Bat. Adult has long, fluffy fur, yellowish brown above and greyish below. Ears are dark brown, shorter than those of Whiskered. Wings are dark brown and rather narrow. Utters twittering squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 40-80khz range. Favours open woodland. Full range is poorly known but widespread in Wales and W and N England. Sometimes emerges from roost in late afternoon. Flight is rapid with short glides. Roosts in buildings, roofs and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in tunnels, tree holes and cellars.
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  • Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus Length 30-50cm Familiar rodent with omnivorous diet. Swims and climbs well. Adult recalls an outsized mouse but with a larger, plumper body, shorter ears, shorter legs (but larger feet) and a thicker tail. Fur is coarse and mainly brown, grading to grey on underparts. Tail looks scaly with sparse bristles. Utters agonising screams in distress. First reached in Britain in 1720 as a stowaway on boats. Now widespread and abundant especially in areas where food is discarded.
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  • Bechstein’s Bat Myotis bechsteinii Wingspan 25-30cm Medium-sized and relatively long-eared bat. Adult has rather long, fluffy fur that is reddish brown above and greyish white below. Bare face is pinkish red and ears are rather long and broad, with 9 transverse folds visible and a long, pointed tragus. Wings are dark brown. Silent in range of human hearing. Rare, with only scattered records mainly in S England and S Wales. Associated mainly with deciduous woodland. Flight is fluttering. Roosts and hibernates in tree holes.
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  • Serotine Eptesicus serotinus Wingspan 33-38cm Large bat, often associated with human habitation. Adult has sleek fur, dark brown above and yellowish brown below. Nose and face are dark; dark ears are oval with 5 transverse folds and tragus is sickle-shaped. Wings are long, broad and dark. Utters shrill squeaks at roost sites. Echolocates in 25-30khz range. Widespread in S, favouring open woodland, parks and mature gardens. Leaves roosts shortly after sunset; wingbeats are slow and fluttering. Roosts in tree holes and buildings in summer, hibernates in buildings and barns.
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  • Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus Wingspan 24-28cm Distinctive bat. Flight is slow with fluttering wingbeats. Adult has fluffy, long fur, buffish brown above and buffish white below. Ears are very long, pinkish brown with numerous transverse folds. Face is pinkish brown and wings are brown. Squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 30-40khz range. Widespread. Favours wooded habitats, including mature gardens and hedgerows as well as deciduous and mixed woodland. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in roofs, cellars and caves.
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  • GREATER BURDOCK Arctium lappa (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Branched and downy biennial of hedgerows, woodland rides, verges and waste ground. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 20-40mm across, with purplish florets and greenish yellow, hooked and spiny bracts; carried in few-flowered inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are burs, armed with hooked spines (flower bracts) that cling to animal fur and aid dispersal. LEAVES are heart-shaped with solid stalks; basal leaves are longer than wide. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales; scarce elsewhere.
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  • GREATER BURDOCK Arctium lappa (Asteraceae) Height to 1m. Branched and downy biennial of hedgerows, woodland rides, verges and waste ground. FLOWERS are borne in egg-shaped heads, 20-40mm across, with purplish florets and greenish yellow, hooked and spiny bracts; carried in few-flowered inflorescences (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are burs, armed with hooked spines (flower bracts) that cling to animal fur and aid dispersal. LEAVES are heart-shaped with solid stalks; basal leaves are longer than wide. STATUS-Locally common in England and Wales; scarce elsewhere.
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  • Wild Cat Felis silvestris Length 75-100cm Resembles a large, tabby domestic cat but subtle differences allow separation. Mainly nocturnal. Adult has greyish brown fur with vertical stripes along flanks and dark vertebral line on back. Tail is thick, bushy and blunt-tipped, marked with 3-5 dark and discrete bands. ‘Wild-type’ domestics have ill-defined flank stripes and tapering tail. Mews, purs and spits like domestic cat. Once widespread, now confined to Scotland; favours rugged moors, forest margins and lower mountain slopes.
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  • Natterer’s Bat Myotis nattereri Wingspan 25-30cm Medium-sized bat with rather large ears and long tragus. Adult has medium-length fluffy fur, yellowish brown above and greyish white below. Face is reddish, almost bald and rather dog-like. Wings are broad. Echolocates in 35-80 kHz range. Widespread. Favours woodland margins, hedgerows and parkland with mature trees. Emerges from roost an hour after sunset and feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are rather slow; hovers occasionally. Roosts in tree holes, buildings and under bridges in summer, hibernates in canal tunnels and mines.
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  • Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus Wingspan 24-28cm Distinctive bat. Flight is slow with fluttering wingbeats. Adult has fluffy, long fur, buffish brown above and buffish white below. Ears are very long, pinkish brown with numerous transverse folds. Face is pinkish brown and wings are brown. Squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 30-40khz range. Widespread. Favours wooded habitats, including mature gardens and hedgerows as well as deciduous and mixed woodland. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in roofs, cellars and caves.
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  • Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus Length 40-55cm Familiar, long-eared social burrowing mammal. Lives in tunnel complexes called warrens. Mainly nocturnal or crepuscular; diet is vegetarian. Adult has mainly greyish brown fur with rufous nape and pale greyish underparts. Long ears have rounded, brown tips and tail is dark above and white below. Legs are long but relatively shorter than those of Brown Hare. squeals loudly in alarm. Introduced to Britain but now widespread and common in grassland, scrub and on roadside verges.
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  • Bank Vole Clethrionomys glareolus Length 13-17cm Plump, richly coloured vole. Makes underground nest and radiating shallow tunnel network; forages for seeds and fruits above ground. Adult has compact body and mainly reddish brown fur, paler and greyer on chest and belly. Relative to Field Vole, has large ears and long tail. Island ssp. are larger and heavier than mainland animals. Squeaks if alarmed. Common in deciduous woodland, hedgerows and field margins.
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  • Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros Wingspan 19.5-25cm Smaller than Greater Horseshoe Bat but with similar facial appearance. Adult has fluffy fur, greyish brown above and paler below. Nostrils are surrounded by afleshy, horseshoe-shaped structure. Ears and wings are greyish brown. Audible squeaks heard at nursery colonies. Echolocates in 105-115kHz range. Favours open woodland, but also feeds along hedgerows; insect caught in flight and gleaned from foliage. Roosts in roofs and cellars summer, hibernates in caves and mines. Rare, restricted to SW England and W Ireland. Emerges from roosts at dusk and feeds throughout night.
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  • Natterer’s Bat Myotis nattereri Wingspan 25-30cm Medium-sized bat with rather large ears and long tragus. Adult has medium-length fluffy fur, yellowish brown above and greyish white below. Face is reddish, almost bald and rather dog-like. Wings are broad. Echolocates in 35-80 kHz range. Widespread. Favours woodland margins, hedgerows and parkland with mature trees. Emerges from roost an hour after sunset and feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are rather slow; hovers occasionally. Roosts in tree holes, buildings and under bridges in summer, hibernates in canal tunnels and mines.
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  • Hazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Length 13-17cm Nocturnal small mammal and an iconic conservation symbol. Mainly arboreal and hibernates in winter. Nests are made mainly from shredded Honeysuckle bark. Adult has mainly golden brown coat with paler throat and belly. Note the large, beady eyes and rounded ears. Feet have flexible toes, used when climbing; tail has coating of golden fur. Mainly silent. A woodland species. Thrives best where mature oaks, coppiced Hazel and Honeysuckle grow together. Local and threatened by habitat destruction and degradation.
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  • Water Vole Arvicola terrestris Length 20-32cm Charming waterside mammal, equally at home in water or on a river bank. Adult has plump body and reddish brown fur. Head is relatively large and rounded. Front feet grasp vegetation while eating. Hind feet are used for swimming. Tail is bristly and relatively shorter than Brown Rat, which has a naked tail. Mostly silent. Likes clean, slow flowing or still waters with marginal vegetation and steep, muddy banks into which it burrows. Thrives only where habitat is maintained and predatory American Mink are controlled.
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  • Water Vole Arvicola terrestris Length 20-32cm Charming waterside mammal, equally at home in water or on a river bank. Adult has plump body and reddish brown fur. Head is relatively large and rounded. Front feet grasp vegetation while eating. Hind feet are used for swimming. Tail is bristly and relatively shorter than Brown Rat, which has a naked tail. Mostly silent. Likes clean, slow flowing or still waters with marginal vegetation and steep, muddy banks into which it burrows. Thrives only where habitat is maintained and predatory American Mink are controlled.
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  • Barbastelle Bat - Barbastella barbastellus Wingspan 25-29cm Medium-sized, dark-looking bat. Adult has long, glossy dark brown fur, darkest on back and palest on the belly. Face is blackish and pug-like. Blackish ears meet in middle of forehead; tragus is triangular. Wings are broad and pointed. Silent within range of human hearing. Very rare, mainly S England and S Wales. Favours undisturbed woodland. Emerges from roosts half an hour or so before sunset. Roosts in tree holes, caves and old buildings in summer, hibernates in trees and caves are also favoured for winter hibernation.
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  • Bank Vole Clethrionomys glareolus Length 13-17cm Plump, richly coloured vole. Makes underground nest and radiating shallow tunnel network; forages for seeds and fruits above ground. Adult has compact body and mainly reddish brown fur, paler and greyer on chest and belly. Relative to Field Vole, has large ears and long tail. Island ssp. are larger and heavier than mainland animals. Squeaks if alarmed. Common in deciduous woodland, hedgerows and field margins.
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  • Black Rat Rattus rattus Length 30-45cm Nocturnal, omnivorous rodent. Recalls Brown Rat but has sleeker body outline and darker coat. Adult has mainly blackish fur, palest on underparts. Coat looks shaggy due to bristle-like guard hairs. Ears are rather large and tail is relatively long. Squeals in distress. Introduced to Britain; formerly abundant, now scarce and declining. Seldom ventures below ground, have an aversion to water and prefers warmer, drier situations overall.
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  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
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  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
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  • Hazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Length 13-17cm Nocturnal small mammal and an iconic conservation symbol. Mainly arboreal and hibernates in winter. Nests are made mainly from shredded Honeysuckle bark. Adult has mainly golden brown coat with paler throat and belly. Note the large, beady eyes and rounded ears. Feet have flexible toes, used when climbing; tail has coating of golden fur. Mainly silent. A woodland species. Thrives best where mature oaks, coppiced Hazel and Honeysuckle grow together. Local and threatened by habitat destruction and degradation.
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  • Water Vole Arvicola terrestris Length 20-32cm Charming waterside mammal, equally at home in water or on a river bank. Adult has plump body and reddish brown fur. Head is relatively large and rounded. Front feet grasp vegetation while eating. Hind feet are used for swimming. Tail is bristly and relatively shorter than Brown Rat, which has a naked tail. Mostly silent. Likes clean, slow flowing or still waters with marginal vegetation and steep, muddy banks into which it burrows. Thrives only where habitat is maintained and predatory American Mink are controlled.
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  • Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus Wingspan 24-28cm Distinctive bat. Flight is slow with fluttering wingbeats. Adult has fluffy, long fur, buffish brown above and buffish white below. Ears are very long, pinkish brown with numerous transverse folds. Face is pinkish brown and wings are brown. Squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 30-40khz range. Widespread. Favours wooded habitats, including mature gardens and hedgerows as well as deciduous and mixed woodland. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in roofs, cellars and caves.
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  • Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus Wingspan 24-28cm Distinctive bat. Flight is slow with fluttering wingbeats. Adult has fluffy, long fur, buffish brown above and buffish white below. Ears are very long, pinkish brown with numerous transverse folds. Face is pinkish brown and wings are brown. Squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 30-40khz range. Widespread. Favours wooded habitats, including mature gardens and hedgerows as well as deciduous and mixed woodland. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in roofs, cellars and caves.
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  • Brandt’s Bat Myotis brandtii Wingspan 21-25cm Small, poorly studied bat. Similar to Whiskered Bat. Adult has long, fluffy fur, yellowish brown above and greyish below. Ears are dark brown, shorter than those of Whiskered. Wings are dark brown and rather narrow. Utters twittering squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 40-80khz range. Favours open woodland. Full range is poorly known but widespread in Wales and W and N England. Sometimes emerges from roost in late afternoon. Flight is rapid with short glides. Roosts in buildings, roofs and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in tunnels, tree holes and cellars.
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  • Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentonii Wingspan 24-27cm Medium-sized bat with rather small head but large feet. Ears are relatively small with short tragus (projection). Adult has silky fur; yellow-brown upperparts show distinct separation from greyish white underparts. Echolocation start in 60-85kHz range and ends in 35 kHz range. Widespread. Favours wooded ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers. Emerges from roost 30-60 minutes after sunset; feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are relatively slow. Sometimes grabs insects from water surface. Roosts under bridges and in tree holes in summer, hibernates in caves and tunnels.
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  • Polar Bear Ursus maritimus Length 2.5-3m, weight 350-650kg The largest land predator, quite capable of competent swimming. Fur is white, often stained yellowish. Feeds mainly on seals and adapted to life associated with pack ice.
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  • Leisler’s Bat Nyctalus leisleri Wingspan 30-35cm Medium-sized bat. Recalls Noctule but smaller. Adult has long fur, dark brown above and buffish brown below. Face is blackish. Ears are dark and broadly oval with 4-5 transverse folds; tragus is mushroom-shaped. Wings are dark and narrow. Utters shrill calls in flight. Echolocates in 15-45kHz range. Widespread, mainly in Ireland. Feeds over marshes, meadows and in open woodland. Feeds just after dusk and just before dawn. Flight is fast, wingbeats are rapid. Roosts in tree holes, roof spaces and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in deep tree holes.
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  • Polar Bear Ursus maritimus Length 2.5-3m, weight 350-650kg The largest land predator, quite capable of competent swimming. Fur is white, often stained yellowish. Feeds mainly on seals and adapted to life associated with pack ice.
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  • Barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus Wingspan 25-29cm Medium-sized, dark-looking bat. Adult has long, glossy dark brown fur, darkest on back and palest on the belly. Face is blackish and pug-like. Blackish ears meet in middle of forehead; tragus is triangular. Wings are broad and pointed. Silent within range of human hearing. Very rare, mainly S England and S Wales. Favours undisturbed woodland. Emerges from roosts half an hour or so before sunset. Roosts in tree holes, caves and old buildings in summer, hibernates in trees and caves are also favoured for winter hibernation.
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  • Serotine Eptesicus serotinus Wingspan 33-38cm Large bat, often associated with human habitation. Adult has sleek fur, dark brown above and yellowish brown below. Nose and face are dark; dark ears are oval with 5 transverse folds and tragus is sickle-shaped. Wings are long, broad and dark. Utters shrill squeaks at roost sites. Echolocates in 25-30khz range. Widespread in S, favouring open woodland, parks and mature gardens. Leaves roosts shortly after sunset; wingbeats are slow and fluttering. Roosts in tree holes and buildings in summer, hibernates in buildings and barns.
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