by Katie Lamborn

klamborn@thekmgroup.co.uk

Fancy seeing some scorpions, wild boar and perhaps the odd snapping turtle?

Well, a report has found they are all out and about in the Kent countryside.

The Eden Wildlife Report, commissioned by the University of Hull, studied sightings and recordings of exotic land-based and amphibious animals introduced into the UK in the last 150 years.

The European Yellow Tailed Scorpion came over to Kent initially in the 1860s on merchant ships from Italy.

"Since 2005 they've been doing every well on Sheerness Docks," said Dr Toni Bunnell who led the research.

"You wouldn't want to get to close to one though as they can deliver a nasty sting.

"Another animal you wouldn't want to get too near is the wild boar," said Dr Bunnell.

Kent has the largest population of the animal in the country with more than 200 living in parts of Kent.

The wild boar used to be here in the 14th century but was introduced in recent times from France, Russia and Germany.

"The animal was farmed, a handful escaped and they just bred," said Dr Bonnell.

"But an animal that's really thriving is the common snapping turtle.

"It's because its got its own niche - it likes to live in polluted habitats and sewer systems.

"Most of the turtles are pets that just couldn't be managed.

"Our native wildlife could suffer as these turtles eat anything they can swallow - they've been known to attack dogs and geese."

Have you seen any of these out and about in Kent? Post your comments in the box below.