Revealed: The UK wildlife that Sheffield residents don't know exists

What’s lurking in our seas is a mystery to most, as three quarters (75%) of Sheffield locals were unaware that you could spot an orca (killer whale), 67% didn’t know you can see a humpback whale, and 42% of people didn’t realise you could spot sharks, despite at least 11 different species being found locally.

That’s not all, as when quizzed only 11% correctly identified coati as an animal that can be spotted right here in the UK, and only 28% knew you could see the Aussie favourite, the wallaby.Whilst only 100 hoopoe birds can be spotted between the end of April and beginning of May, just 14% were aware of this amazing opportunity to spot the rare Afro-Eurasia bird.

The sand lizard, one of the UK’s rarest reptiles, is also slithering under the radar with 50% of people not identifying it as a UK native.

So how many people are actually taking advantage of having these animals on their doorsteps? Only 6% can boast to have seen a golden eagle and just 11% have been fortunate enough to spot a dolphin.

Despite 75% of Sheffield residents knowing you can see a puffin, only 39% have actually seen one for themselves. The rarest animals are killer and humpback whales and the hoopoe bird, which none of the Sheffield respondents have been lucky enough to see.

In comparison, hedgehogs (75%) and bats (67%) are all commonly spotted by residents, yet red deer are yet to be seen by almost two thirds (69%) of the Sheffield locals!

And where can we find these amazing animals? Snaptrip.com has created a hand drawn map to reveal exactly where they can be spotted across the UK, and is encouraging people to take a UK safari this summer.

Matt Fox, co-founder at Snaptrip.com, said: “The UK has so much to offer, and it’s clear that while we’re all aware of the many amazing cities and beaches, we’re not so clued up when it comes to the wild animals that we can find in our country!”“With so many incredible animals waiting to be spotted, we’re encouraging people to take their very own UK safari. We’ve created an interactive guide with the help of the Marine Conservation Society, to show exactly how holidaymakers can glimpse them for themselves, including otters and humpback whales within a short trip of Sheffield.”

With so many Brits being unaware of the variety of animals that can be spotted in the wild in the UK, it’s no surprise that two thirds were shocked by the wide variety that exists in the country.

Out of 20 rare UK animals, adults in Sheffield would most like to see:• Golden eagle (44%)• Dolphin (31%)• Killer whale (31%)• Humpback whale (31%)• Red squirrel (22%)

Richard Harrington, Head of Communications at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “UK wildlife is captivating and fascinating, and rivals anything you can find in other parts of the world. It is really worth planning your holidays to coincide with opportunities to see animals in their natural habitat. For example the humpback whale, though rare, can be found to the west of the UK in spring and autumn. Bottlenose dolphins can be found year round - you just need to be in the know about where to go!

“Your best bet to spot any marine life is from a boat, but they can be spotted from high above too. Prominent headlands like Flamborough on the Yorkshire coast, Cape Cornwall and Lleyn Peninsula as well as islands such as Ramsey in Pembrokeshire are a great way to see dolphins and wales from dry land.”

For more information and tips on where to spot the UKs rarest animals, view Snaptrip.com’s interactive guide: https://www.snaptrip.com/c/uk-safari