Get outside

Try spotting
wildlife at night

At sunset, your day is coming to an end. But some creatures are just starting to stir…

How to spot night-time wildlife

Whether you live in a city or the countryside, wildlife is all around – even in your garden. When you’re tucked up in bed at night, animals that are nocturnal (meaning they’re active at night) go about their business under the cover of darkness, finding food, friends and shelter.

Most of these animals don’t leave a trace, so how can you tell they were even there? Click the wildlife on the image below to find out who might visit, then read on to learn the best way to see them.

How to find them

Owl

Look for owls resting in a wooded park or garden. You’ll need eagle-eyes!

Hedgehog

Put out water and wet, meaty cat or dog food, and listen for the loud grunts of appreciation.

Badger

Sprinkle peanuts on your patio to encourage visitors!

Moths

Hang a white sheet on a washing line and shine a light on it. How many moths can you identify?

Fox

Foxes can be shy, so look for their greyish, pointy droppings. Don’t leave shoes outside as they might get played with!

Bat

The best time  to spot bats is April to October. Go outside on a dry, still evening at dusk, when bats are just coming out to feed, and look up at the sky.

^{Image credits:}^{© Sean Longcroft}