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rd Wildlife Facts from the UK The United Kingdom is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from majestic birds of prey, such as the golden eagle, to charming furry creatures like the red squirrel. However, there are dozens of lesser-known animals that inhabit this country with some truly strange habits and features. Here is a look at some of the most fascinating but lesser-known facts about UK wildlife. The Puffin Can Hold a Lot of Fish in Its Mouth The puffin is a small seabird that can be found in coastal regions of the UK. One distinctive feature of this bird is its brightly colored, triangular bill, which it uses to catch small fish like herring and sand eels. But what’s even more impressive is that it can hold up to 20 fish in its mouth at once, thanks to special spiky tongues and a bony plate that helps to guide food down the gullet. The Hare Can Run Up to 45mph The hare is a fast and nimble creature often found darting across fields and meadows. These animals are capable of sprinting at speeds of up to 45mph, making them the fastest of all UK land mammals. Hares also have a unique set of physical adaptations that enable them to jump great heights and distances, with powerful back legs and lightweight, elongated bodies. The Star-Nosed Mole Has Tentacles on Its Face The star-nosed mole is an intriguing creature that lives near wetlands in the UK. It is known for its bizarre-looking snout, which has 22 fleshy tentacles that allow it to sense its surroundings and locate prey in the dim underground tunnels where it forages. The mole can detect and consume prey within milliseconds, thanks to a high-speed, touch-centric nervous system. The Slow Worm Can Shed Its Tail The slow worm is a legless reptile that resembles a small snake or worm but is actually a type of lizard. One of its quirky abilities is the ability to shed its tail when threatened by predators or other disturbances. The detached trailing tail continues to wiggle and twitch for a few minutes, which diverts the predator's attention while the slow worm makes its escape using its lightning-fast reflexes and smooth skin. The Otter Sleeps Holding Hands Otters are aquatic mammals known for their playful personalities and love of seafood. They can be found in rivers and coastal regions across the UK, and often hunt in pairs, holding hands while they sleep or rest on land to avoid drifting apart. Otters are expert divers and can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes while swimming, thanks to a range of physical adaptations that include webbed feet and dense fur. The Black Slug Has an Anti-Aphrodisiac The black slug is a type of mollusk that can be found in gardens and woodlands throughout the UK. This creature produces a strange slime that acts as an aphrodisiac deterrent, making it less likely to be bothered by mating pairs of slugs. The slime is also an effective defense mechanism against predators, both by making the slug taste bad and by trapping the attacker with a sticky residue that is difficult to remove. Conclusion These are just a few examples of the many weird but wonderful creatures that inhabit the UK. While they may not be as famous as some of the country's more iconic species, these animals are still an important part of the UK's biodiversity and fascinating to learn about.