Water Rat???

[Mamyalynne]

Any wildlife buffs out there? we live very near a stretch of water(12feet away) and for many years have seen lots of lovely wildlife including what we always thought were water rats. People are now telling us these are common? rats and to be careful when leaving doors open etc. What is the visible difference please??
TIA Mamya

[raysparx1]

have alook at this link, rats have bald tails and water voles have furry tail, if it is the water vole, I don;t think they will cause you any problems.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfile s/268.shtml

[Mamyalynne]

thanks Raysparx1 well they never have bothered us and are part of our lovely outlook in my opinion which includes Herons Kingfishers and Moorhens too .
Mamya

[yogasun]

Hi mamyalynne

In E. Devon we have a project going to encourage Water Voles with great success.

[raysparx1]

Hi yoga, and mamya, we are so very lucky aren't we, so much beauty , I think the water vole is protected species now, carry on enjoying the beauty that is nature, Ray xx

[Mamyalynne]

Wilko

[spudqueen]

I remember Bill Oddie describing a water vole in water as looking like a black board duster, sort of flattened and rectangular. I think rats just look like rats.

[Mamyalynne]

well itend to agree and in 32 years theyve never bothered us so will continue to love em

[abstibus]

I saw a coypu once on a garden path near Kidderminster. Seriously - on a path near the canal. Scared the living daylights out of me.

[Mamyalynne]

yes annemollie i believe these can be nasty creatures.Over the 32 years we have lived here we have had many close encounters including Mallards in the lounge whilst we tellyboxed, a squirrel running up the curtains and mant more fun times.
Happy Days
Mamya