UK Animals
Do you know what animals we have living in this country?
Even in this country we have lots of animals living in the wild. They live in the fields, hedgerows and woods in the countryside or even amongst peoples houses, inside barns and the ruins of castles. There are lots of places you can find wild animals living in the UK.
Only male deer grow antlers. They shed these every year and then they grow back, usually bigger than before.
There are six different species of mice living in the UK.
Owls can turn their heads 3/4 of the way round, which is amazing!
Look at the pictures. What other wild animals can be found living in the UK? Have you seen any living near you, or when you have been on holiday in this country?
Red Squirrels are very rare in the UK now, and can only be found in Scotland, Ireland, and in low numbers in Northern England and Wales.
Bats are the only flying mammals in the world.
Foxes
Foxes are red furry animals with a white tummy, big bushy tails and a pointy nose and pointy ears. They are quite big in comparison to other wild UK animals. They are the creatures that you are probably most likely to see in this country as they often are found living in towns and sometimes come out during the day. They live underground in dens, but come out at night and even during the day to find food. Foxes are omnivores and although they do hunt for their food they also will pretty much eat anything they can find.
Foxes are probably the most seen of UK animals, especially if you live in towns or cities.
Squirrels
There are two types of squirrels living in the UK, the red squirrel and the grey squirrel. The red squirrel was here first and then the grey squirrel was brought here. You are much more likely to see a grey squirrel as they have totally taken over, if you see a red squirrel you are very lucky! They are very small creatures which run on all fours but then sit up on their stronger back legs. They have long bushy tails almost the same length as their body. Squirrels live up in trees and that’s where they will make their nest but they often come down to the ground to find food. They eat nuts and seeds, and will often hide food to eat later.
Grey Squirrels were introduced to the UK from America almost 150 years ago.
Rabbits and Hares
Rabbits and hares look quite similar but there are some big differences between them. Rabbits are smaller, with smaller legs, hares in particular have bigger back legs. Rabbits are always the same colour while hares are brown or grey in the warmer months and turn white when it gets colder.
Rabbits live in big groups in burrows under the ground, if in danger that’s where they will head. Hares like to live on their own and make a nest on top out in the open, if a predator is chasing them they would run as fast as they could, which is pretty fast, using their strong back legs. Both rabbits and hares are herbivores and mainly like to eat plants.
Rabbits grow to about 40cm long.
Can you spot some similarities and differences between rabbits and hares from looking at these two photos?
Hares can grow up to about 70cm long.
Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are lovely little creatures, growing up to about 25cm long. They are covered in prickly spines all over their back. They use these to protect themselves from predators, such as foxes, by curling up into a ball if in danger, and hopefully putting animals off eating them with all their spines sticking out!
Hedgehogs mainly live in the countryside but you can sometimes see them living in towns if you are lucky. It’s a bit more dangerous for them there though. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, only going out to find food at night and they also hibernate too through the winter when it’s too cold for them and not enough food for them to eat. They like to eat many different minibeasts, such as slugs, snails, beetles and worms.
Only hedgehogs, bats and dormice hibernate in the UK.
Did you know...
Badgers aren't endangered, but are a protected species.
Badgers
Badgers are furry grey creatures with a black and white striped face. Depending on their species they can grow to between about 50cm and 90cm in length. They have very short legs so walk on all fours very low to the ground.
Badgers spend a lot of their time underground, living in their sett, the name for the tunnels they dig for their home. They come out at night when it is a bit safer to find food.
They like to eat small mammals, such as hedgehogs and mice, and minibeasts, such as earthworms and slugs they find living in the woods, fields and farms where you’d probably find them living. They also like to eat fruit, so are called omnivores.
What we've learnt...
We have lots of wild animals living in the UK, such as foxes, squirrels, rabbits, hares, hedgehogs and badgers.
Many animals living in the UK are nocturnal creatures and come out more during the night.
Lots of UK animals create their homes underground for protection. Creatures such as foxes, rabbits, hares, badgers and mice all spend lots of time underground.
Most animals living in the UK aren’t predators and prefer to eat plants instead of other creatures! Some are omnivores (which means they eat plants and meat – like us!). Foxes, hedgehogs and badgers are omnivores.
Test your knowledge...
UK Animals Quiz
If you click the correct answer the box will turn green. If its the wrong answer it will turn red and then show you what the correct answer was. Some questions have more than one answer, so read/listen to the questions carefully!
#1. Which two of these UK animals are endangered?
Select all that apply:
#2. Which is bigger, a rabbit or a hare?
#3. What type of creature is a bat?
#4. Do male or female deer have antlers?
#5. Which type of squirrel are you most likely to see all over the UK?
Results
I really hope you have enjoyed learning all about UK Animals, with me Flash!
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