{"id":1667,"date":"2016-06-05T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-06-05T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/unexpected-wild-animals-in-britain-part-2\/"},"modified":"2025-01-03T11:18:58","modified_gmt":"2025-01-03T11:18:58","slug":"unexpected-wild-animals-in-britain-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/unexpected-wild-animals-in-britain-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Unexpected wild animals in Britain \u2013 part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<header id=\"block_4929e057729ddaca3c7f5ec67079bd76\" class=\"SingleHero skip-lazy default\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"SingleHero__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/nature\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNature\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"SingleHero__title\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\tUnexpected wild animals in Britain \u2013 part 2\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center align-items-center SingleHero__author\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Jonathan Elder\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"SingleHero__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPublished on \t\t\t\t\t\t<time datetime=\"2016-06-05T00:00:00+00:00\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">June 5, 2016<\/time>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"dot\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t2 min read\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"SingleHero__thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2000\/08\/adventures-getoutside.8b0f4224b0bd7a4d5a834d653d8881ff.jpg\" class=\"attachment-hd size-hd wp-post-image\" alt=\"A range of mountains over the lake\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2000\/08\/adventures-getoutside.8b0f4224b0bd7a4d5a834d653d8881ff.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2000\/08\/adventures-getoutside.8b0f4224b0bd7a4d5a834d653d8881ff-300x104.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2000\/08\/adventures-getoutside.8b0f4224b0bd7a4d5a834d653d8881ff-1024x356.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2000\/08\/adventures-getoutside.8b0f4224b0bd7a4d5a834d653d8881ff-768x267.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2000\/08\/adventures-getoutside.8b0f4224b0bd7a4d5a834d653d8881ff-1376x478.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<article id=\"block_0c913600c9e895c4415238ae0e1c238d\" class=\"Universal Universal--post c-small default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none    \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerBlocks\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lead\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<p>Part 2: When you #GetOutside in the UK, you expect to see plenty of native birds, squirrels and rabbits, and if you are lucky a roe deer or even a badger \u2013 but there are plenty of weird, wonderful and scary wild animals if you know where to look\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sika-deer-scottish-highlands\">Sika Deer: Scottish Highlands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"741\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/cervus_nippon_hortulorum_sika_deer_by_quartl_creativecommons.jpg\" alt=\"Sika deer by Quartl (Creative Commons)\" class=\"wp-image-5327\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/cervus_nippon_hortulorum_sika_deer_by_quartl_creativecommons.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/cervus_nippon_hortulorum_sika_deer_by_quartl_creativecommons-300x278.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/cervus_nippon_hortulorum_sika_deer_by_quartl_creativecommons-768x711.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><small>Sika deer by Quartl (Creative Commons)<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Sika Deer originate in Japan, and were introduced via a private deer park in 1860. There are small colonies of these deer across the UK, but most live in the Scottish Highlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sika are similar in size and coat to native Fallow deer, but darker. They are reddish-brown to yellow-brown in colour with a dark stripe on the spine surrounded by white spots in the summer. In winter, they change to dark grey to black and the spots are faint or absent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help keep populations to a manageable level, Sika Deer are open to hunters, in season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gwct.org.uk\/research\/long-term-monitoring\/national-gamebag-census\/mammal-bags-comprehensive-overviews\/sika-deer\/\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gwct.org.uk\/sika-deer<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-african-clawed-toad-south-wales\">African Clawed Toad: South Wales<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/xenopus_laevis_african_clawed_frog_by_brian_gratwickea_cc.jpg\" alt=\"African clawed frog by Brian Gratwickea (Creative Commons)\" class=\"wp-image-5328\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/xenopus_laevis_african_clawed_frog_by_brian_gratwickea_cc.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/xenopus_laevis_african_clawed_frog_by_brian_gratwickea_cc-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/xenopus_laevis_african_clawed_frog_by_brian_gratwickea_cc-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><small>African clawed frog by Brian Gratwickea (Creative Commons)<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>African Clawed Toads (or Frogs) were probably originally brought here to use as a&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/smart-news\/doctors-used-to-use-live-african-frogs-as-pregnancy-tests-64279275\/?no-ist\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">living pregnancy test<\/a>&nbsp;(follow the link for all the weird details).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These aggressive amphibians have a flattened body, top-mounted eyes and distinctive webbed and clawed rear feet. They will eat almost anything they can get in their mouths, which can devastate native animals, especially other frogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only are they long-lived (up to 14 years), they seem to be able to survive the relatively cold temperatures in Britain well considering their native habitat near the Sahara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As well as their predatory appetite, they can also carry a fungus that severely affects other amphibians. Due to their impact, sightings should be reported to DEFRA.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-red-eared-terrapin-london-and-southampton\">Red-eared terrapin: London and Southampton<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/red_eared_slider_by_trisha_m_shears.jpg\" alt=\"Red eared slider (terrapin) by Trisha M Shears\" class=\"wp-image-5329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/red_eared_slider_by_trisha_m_shears.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/red_eared_slider_by_trisha_m_shears-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/red_eared_slider_by_trisha_m_shears-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><small>Red eared slider (terrapin) by Trisha M Shears<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Red-eared terrapins are often bought as small cute pets \u2013 but they can grow to the size of a dinner plate, have a powerful bite and can live for 40 years, so many are released into the wild as they get older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are omnivorous, and will feed on plants, fish, insects, eggs and even young birds, so are considered a threat to native wildlife. It was initially though that, while they can survive in this country, it was too cold for them to breed, but there has been some evidence of young appearing in canals in London and Southampton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They spend almost all their time in the water, but on a hot sunny day you may see them basking in the sunlight \u2013 they are recognised by the distinctive red stripes on their heads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/www.telegraph.co.uk\/news\/earth\/wildlife\/10344361\/Hot-summer-sparks-terrapins-warning.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Telegraph<\/a><br><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/canalrivertrust.org.uk\/enjoy-the-waterways\/canal-and-river-wildlife\/the-rogues-gallery\/terrapin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Canal River Trust<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-killer-shrimp-wales\">Killer Shrimp: Wales<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"603\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/dikerogammarus_villosus_killer_shrimp_by_noaa_great_lakes_environmental_research_-laboratory_cc.jpg\" alt=\"Dikerogammarus villosus (killer shrimp) by NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab (Creative Commons)\" class=\"wp-image-5330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/dikerogammarus_villosus_killer_shrimp_by_noaa_great_lakes_environmental_research_-laboratory_cc.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/dikerogammarus_villosus_killer_shrimp_by_noaa_great_lakes_environmental_research_-laboratory_cc-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/dikerogammarus_villosus_killer_shrimp_by_noaa_great_lakes_environmental_research_-laboratory_cc-768x579.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><small>Dikerogammarus villosus (killer shrimp) by NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab (Creative Commons)<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Killer shrimp (<em>Dikerogammarus villosus<\/em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Dikerogammarus haemobaphes<\/em>) are native to Eastern Europe, and are considerably bigger and more aggressive than native shrimp. They live in fresh water, and are known for killing other small animals, such as water boatmen, dragonfly nymphs and small fish, even when they don\u2019t need them for food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are fast growing and fast breeding, so this relatively new invasive species is thought to be a threat to native species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spot them in fresh water, or by using a net. They are distinguished from native species due to their unusual size \u2013 up to 30mm long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/www.nonnativespecies.org\/factsheet\/factsheet.cfm?speciesId=1219\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fact Sheet<\/a><br><a class=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/science-environment-11246642\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BBC News<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-goldfish-all-over-the-uk\">Goldfish: all over the UK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/goldfishes_by_tiefflieger_cc.jpg\" alt=\"Goldfish by Tiefflieger (Creative Commons)\" class=\"wp-image-5331\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/goldfishes_by_tiefflieger_cc.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/goldfishes_by_tiefflieger_cc-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/goldfishes_by_tiefflieger_cc-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><small>Goldfish by Tiefflieger (Creative Commons)<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Goldfish can live for over 10 years and grow to 40cm \u2013 too big for many domestic tanks. While they will live happily in a garden pond, many have escaped or been released and live in freshwater lakes and ponds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When in the wild they may revert to a more natural darker colouring, but can be distinguished from wild carp by the lack of mouth barbels. Keep an eye out for a flash of gold when walking near rivers and ponds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/environment-agency-warns-of-dangers-of-releasing-ornamental-fish-into-the-wild\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Environment Agency<\/a><br><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/canalrivertrust.org.uk\/enjoy-the-waterways\/fishing\/fish-species\/invasive-and-non-native-fish\/goldfish\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Canal River Trust<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stick-insects-south-west-england\">Stick Insects: South West England<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/acanthoxyla_prasina_stcik_insect_by_alan_gilchrist_cc.jpg\" alt=\"Acanthoxyla prasina (spiny stick insect) by Alan Gilchrist (Creative Commons)\" class=\"wp-image-5332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/acanthoxyla_prasina_stcik_insect_by_alan_gilchrist_cc.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/acanthoxyla_prasina_stcik_insect_by_alan_gilchrist_cc-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/acanthoxyla_prasina_stcik_insect_by_alan_gilchrist_cc-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><small>Acanthoxyla prasina (spiny stick insect) by Alan Gilchrist (Creative Commons)<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>You may remember stick insects from biology classes, or even have kept some as a pet. If you do, you\u2019ll know that when they are not moving they can be very hard to spot. They will cling on to a plant and look like nothing more than a bit of dry twig.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Several species are living in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, thought to have hitched a ride on plants brought back from their native New Zealand. Unlike some animals on this list they seem to have integrated well into the local ecosystem, and live happily munching on bramble or privet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spotting them can be a challenge, but you will sometimes find them basking in the sun on walls or rocks which makes them much easier to find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-england-cornwall-11713945\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BBC: Record stick insect colony found in Cornwall<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-yellow-tailed-scorpion-sheerness-kent\">Yellow Tailed Scorpion: Sheerness, Kent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/european_yellow-tailed_scorpion_euroscorpius_flavicaudis-sheerness_by_dikhou_cc.jpg\" alt=\"European yellow tailed scorpion (Euroscorpius flavicaudis) by Dikhou (Creative Commons)\" class=\"wp-image-5333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/european_yellow-tailed_scorpion_euroscorpius_flavicaudis-sheerness_by_dikhou_cc.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/european_yellow-tailed_scorpion_euroscorpius_flavicaudis-sheerness_by_dikhou_cc-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/european_yellow-tailed_scorpion_euroscorpius_flavicaudis-sheerness_by_dikhou_cc-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><small>European yellow tailed scorpion (Euroscorpius flavicaudis) by Dikhou (Creative Commons)<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Scorpions get bad press \u2013 few are aggressive or even particularly dangerous. The European Yellow Tailed Scorpion is the only one to live in the UK, and has survived around the warm south coast for at least 150 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They can be found living in cracks in rocks and on warm, south-facing walls around Sheerness docks, as well as in smaller numbers in other southern ports. They are 3 \u2013 4 centimetres long, with yellow tail tip and legs. Unusually, they glow under a UV light so you can use this to spot them more easily at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They mainly eat woodlice \u2013 and their sting is roughly equivalent to a bee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/www.jasonsteelwildlifephotography.yolasite.com\/uk-scorpions.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jason Steel Photography \u2013 UK Scorpions<\/a><br><a class=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/kent\/content\/articles\/2009\/07\/09\/scorpion_sheerness_video_feature.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BBC: Sheerness Scorpions<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-snapping-turtle-freshwater-lakes-and-ponds\">Snapping Turtle: freshwater lakes and ponds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"458\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/alligator_snapping_turtle_by_gary_m_stolz_us_fish_and_wildlife_service.jpg\" alt=\"Alligator snapping turtle by Gary M Stolz - US Fish and Wildlife Service\" class=\"wp-image-5334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/alligator_snapping_turtle_by_gary_m_stolz_us_fish_and_wildlife_service.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/alligator_snapping_turtle_by_gary_m_stolz_us_fish_and_wildlife_service-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/alligator_snapping_turtle_by_gary_m_stolz_us_fish_and_wildlife_service-768x440.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><small>Alligator snapping turtle by Gary M Stolz &#8211; US Fish and Wildlife Service<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>There\u2019s actually two quite different species competing for the title. The Common Snapping Turtle can grow up to 50cm long and averages 6kg, while the monster Alligator Snapping Turtle can grow up to 80cm, and weigh more than an adult human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both species are known for aggression and a powerful bite. Luckily those found so far in the UK are fairly small escaped or released pets, but as they continue to grow throughout their lives they can get very large indeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do happen to come across one keep your fingers well away!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/10576657\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BBC: Angler pulls in four-stone turtle at Solihull reservoir<\/a><br><a class=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/environment\/nature\/look-out-abandoned-terrapins-about-1863903.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Independent: Look out! Abandoned terrapins about<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-chinese-mitten-crab-river-thames\">Chinese mitten crab: River Thames<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"591\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mitten_crab_eriocheirsinensis4_by_christian_fischer_cc.jpg\" alt=\"Chinese Mitten Crab by Christian Fischer (Creative Commons)\" class=\"wp-image-5335\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mitten_crab_eriocheirsinensis4_by_christian_fischer_cc.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mitten_crab_eriocheirsinensis4_by_christian_fischer_cc-300x222.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/mitten_crab_eriocheirsinensis4_by_christian_fischer_cc-768x567.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><small>Chinese Mitten Crab by Christian Fischer (Creative Commons)<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The freshwater Chinese Mitten crab most likely hitched a lift in trading ships bilge tanks, and first appeared in the Thames in 1935. It has now spread to other rivers including Humber, Medway, Tyne, Wharfe and Ouse \u2013 their ability to cover large distances on land has helped them spread effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are named after their distinctive hairy pincers (they have hairy legs too), are a dark olive green and can grow up to 8cm wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They can cause considerable damage as they burrow into soft river banks and disrupt local ecosystems, so if you spot one you are asked to report it at&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/mittencrabs.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mittencrabs.org.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One possible solution: in China they are seen as a delicacy, and they apparently make a decent soup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/life-style\/food-and-drink\/features\/will-we-soon-be-tucking-into-mitten-crabs-fresh-from-the-thames-1717807.html\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get the recipe here<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-asian-longhorn-beetle-kent\">Asian longhorn beetle: Kent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/asian_longhorn_beetle_by_us_fish_and_wildlife_service_cc.jpg\" alt=\"Asian longhorn beetle by US Fish and Wildlife Service (Creative Commons)\" class=\"wp-image-5336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/asian_longhorn_beetle_by_us_fish_and_wildlife_service_cc.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/asian_longhorn_beetle_by_us_fish_and_wildlife_service_cc-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/asian_longhorn_beetle_by_us_fish_and_wildlife_service_cc-768x518.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><small>Asian longhorn beetle by US Fish and Wildlife Service (Creative Commons)<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>This is a rather cute looking beetle with long, striped antenna that can be up to twice as long as the 2cm to 4cm body. They are black or very dark brown with white spots, and are native to China and south-east Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While harmless to humans, they do have a taste for deciduous trees. The adult beetles lay eggs on the bark which hatch into larvae, who then will chew their way into the tree, often killing it. The larva leave large exit holes, around 1cm across, considerably bigger than most native species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to the damage they can cause to forestry, anyone spotting a beetle or the distinctive holes is asked to&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.forestry.gov.uk\/asianlonghornbeetle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">report it to the Forestry commission<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-17577358\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BBC: Environmental teams tackle outbreak of tree-killing beetle<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bonus-big-cats-stalking-the-uk\">Bonus: big cats stalking the UK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/tiger_fake.jpg\" alt=\"A toy tiger left in a field \" class=\"wp-image-5337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/tiger_fake.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/tiger_fake-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/tiger_fake-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><small>This toy tiger left in a field in Hampshire triggered a police response in 2011 after it was spotted by several members of the public<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve included big cats, but with a warning. While there have been a lot of reported sightings \u2013 and some slightly hysterical reporting \u2013 so far there is no clear evidence of any big cats living wild in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there have been persistent sightings, in some cases going back decades, of large cat-shaped creatures stalking the country. So are these just large domestic or feral cats? Are they misidentified dogs or foxes? Or could there really be escaped big cats, such as panthers, surviving in the wild?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or is it all a clever promotion to promote these areas? Why not judge for yourself \u2013 or even go out and find proof!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Big cat newspaper reports:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk\/beast_dart.htm\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dartmoor<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.middevongazette.co.uk\/Big-cat-sighting-prompts-claims-breeding\/story-21944388-detail\/story.html\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Devon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/news\/weird-news\/black-panther-loose-countryside-new-7602858\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lake District<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.grough.co.uk\/magazine\/2010\/07\/15\/walkers-told-to-be-on-guard-after-big-cat-sighting\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Highlands<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dailypost.co.uk\/news\/north-wales-news\/big-cat-sighting-near-llanberis-11156442\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wales<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.shropshirestar.com\/news\/2013\/03\/06\/sisters-are-shocked-by-huge-cat-like-creature\/\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shropshire<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.herefordtimes.com\/news\/4797914.Was_Herefordshire_s__big_cat__caught_on_camera_\/\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hereford<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2012\/jan\/11\/big-cat-gloucestershire-wood-national-trust\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gloucestershire<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How many of these have you spotted? Tell us in the comments below.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/unexpected-wild-animals-in-britain-%E2%80%93-part-1\/\">read part one<\/a>&nbsp;for more cute, weird and frankly terrifying animals you would not expect to see while out for a walk in the British countryside.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"MetaShare\">\n\n\t\t\t<button id=\"likeButton\" data-nonce=\"50b75bdf00\" data-postid=\"1667\" class=\"Button Button--default Button--icon likeButton\"><span class=\"likeButtonText\">Like this guide<\/span><svg width=\"21\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 21 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M10.4947 3.09742C8.5448 1.39335 5.66108 1.04464 3.42166 2.95804C0.999337 5.02773 0.647396 8.5134 2.56291 10.9783C3.29002 11.9139 4.70917 13.3196 6.07302 14.6069C7.45283 15.9092 8.82946 17.1399 9.50834 17.7411C9.51258 17.7449 9.51691 17.7487 9.5213 17.7526C9.58512 17.8092 9.66457 17.8796 9.74074 17.937C9.83194 18.0057 9.96286 18.0909 10.1377 18.1431C10.3701 18.2124 10.62 18.2124 10.8524 18.1431C11.0272 18.0909 11.1581 18.0057 11.2493 17.937C11.3255 17.8796 11.405 17.8092 11.4688 17.7526C11.4732 17.7487 11.4775 17.7449 11.4817 17.7411C12.1606 17.1399 13.5373 15.9092 14.9171 14.6069C16.2809 13.3196 17.7001 11.9139 18.4272 10.9783C20.3353 8.52288 20.0377 5.01032 17.5597 2.95074C15.2954 1.06872 12.4424 1.3927 10.4947 3.09742Z\" fill=\"#186571\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/button>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center MetaShareSocial\" aria-label=\"Share\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"X\" class=\"Button Button--default MetaShareSocial__button MetaShareSocial__button--x\" id=\"share-twitter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-173 238)\"><path d=\"M18.9.75h3.68l-8.04,9.213L24,22.5H16.594l-5.8-7.6L4.156,22.5H.474l8.6-9.854L0,.75H7.594L12.837,7.7ZM17.61,20.291h2.039L6.486,2.843H4.3Z\" transform=\"translate(173 -237.625)\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"facebook\"  class=\"Button Button--default MetaShareSocial__button MetaShareSocial__button--f\" id=\"share-facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-89 238)\"><path d=\"M14.186,24V13.2h3.279L18,8.4H14.186V6.062c0-1.236.032-2.462,1.759-2.462h1.749V.168A19.34,19.34,0,0,0,14.671,0C11.5,0,9.508,1.989,9.508,5.64V8.4H6v4.8H9.508V24Z\" transform=\"translate(89 -238)\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div id=\"likeCount\" class=\"likeCount\">Liked by <span id=\"likeCountValue\">0<\/span> users<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<hr class=\"MetaShare__hr\" \/>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"MetaShareAuthor__name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Jonathan Elder\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Jonathan helps run the OS Shop and GetOutside, and in his free time can be found walking, playing computer games or, in the winter, falling off mountains with a plank of wood strapped to his feet.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you #GetOutside in the UK there are plenty of weird and wonderful wild animals if you know where to look\u2026part 2 &#8211; including the scary ones!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4583,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"activities":[37],"locations":[],"class_list":["post-1667","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","activities-nature"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>When you #GetOutside in the UK there are plenty of weird and wonderful wild animals if you know where to look\u2026part 2 | OS GetOutside<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When you #GetOutside in the UK, you expect to see plenty of native birds, squirrels and rabbits, and if you are lucky a roe deer or even a badger \u2013 but there are plenty of weird and wonderful wild animals if you know where to 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