You’re about to leave the Go Wild website!
Are you over 18, or with your parent or guardian?
If not, please click back to the previous page.
Get outside
Try spotting
wildlife at night
At sunset, your day is coming to an end. But some creatures are just starting to stir…
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.
Look for owls resting in a wooded park or garden. You’ll need eagle-eyes!
Put out water and wet, meaty cat or dog food, and listen for the loud grunts of appreciation.
Sprinkle peanuts on your patio to encourage visitors!
Hang a white sheet on a washing line and shine a light on it. How many moths can you identify?
Foxes can be shy, so look for their greyish, pointy droppings. Don’t leave shoes outside as they might get played with!
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
If you're using a torch, cover the light with red cellophane - this is kinder to animals' eyes and won't disturb them as much
