As an animal loving nation we’re always looking to get up close and personal with weird and wonderful creatures.

And Kent seems to have its fair share of options to spot wild animals.

So, if you’re one of those people who can’t resist an animal encounter – here’s a selection of some on offer…

Beavers

First up is beaver hotspot - Canterbury city centre.

A new survey carried out by the Beaver Trust and Kent Wildife Trust, suggests the number of wild beavers living in the county runs into the hundreds.

The animals, which were extinct in the UK for centuries, are often spotted in the centre of Canterbury.

In April, a beaver was spotted swimming against the tide in the River Stour, towards the Kingsmead Leisure Centre.

There have previously been other sightings in Canterbury near the Sainsburys on Kingsmead Road and further upstream, two miles away, in Fordwich.

Scorpions

If you’re into creepy-crawlies, look no further than the Isle of Sheppey.

For more than 200-years a colony of scorpions in Sheerness Docks have been living in the brickwork at Blue Town.

But if you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the nocturnal creatures, you’ll need to pay a visit at night and bring a UV lamp to see them glow in the dark.

The arachnids can grow up to 45mm long and are predominantly black with yellow-brown legs and a deadly-looking tail - hence the name, Tiny Yellow Tailed Scorpion.

Ring-tailed parakeets

Green flying “aliens” with a raucous call are a long-established feature of Thanet’s skies and parks.

Those living in Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs frequently spot them in flight or perched in trees - or hear their distinctive calls which sound more paradise island than Isle of Thanet.

They now flourish around the Home Counties - including the former Kent boroughs of Bexley and Bromley - and the occasional one will stray to nearby towns too.

Bison

Wild bison are now roaming freely in ancient Kent woodland after being released in July 2022.

The huge animals moved from Scotland to their new home at West Blean and Thornden Woods, located between Canterbury and Herne Bay.

The European bison can be visible from some public footpaths - through fencing - in the woods.

In December 2023, the Kent Wildlife Trust even welcomed a new bison calf which brought the number of the herd to a total of six.

Goats

While you won’t spot these animals on public paths or fields, many visitors flock to Buttercups Sanctuary in Boughton Monchelsea, to spend some one-on-one time feeding and watching the 100-plus residents who reside there.

There you can see grazing goats, many of whom were rescued from cruelty, neglect and abandonment.

Buttercups has around 80 volunteers and most of the goats it takes in come from Kent and East Sussex.

Grazing cows

Perhaps not the most exotic of animals, but well worth a gander. A heard of grazing cows returned to Scotney Castle, near Tunbridge Wells in March.

The fluffy beasts are a mix of longhorns and Sussex cows who use their powerful head and necks to bring down tall woody vegetation to a suitable point for them to eat.

Their return marks a full circle moment, as the large herbivores were first introduced to the castle in the 19th century.

Seals

Marine mammals have also been spotted in the county.

In September last year, a lone seal was captured on video rolling around the bank of the River Medway.

But this isn’t the only sighting, many say they have seen the fin-footed marine mammal swimming in the river before.

Common seals, also known as harbour seals, are one of two seal species living in UK waters alongside grey seals.

It’s clear to see, Kent has a vast range of weird and wonderful options when it comes to spotting animals.