Mammals

Roe deer

Mammals are fairly abundant, though they tend to keep a low profile. Red deer may be found in small numbers in the hills above Garelochhead, but its smaller cousin the roe deer is widespread wherever there is cover. Badgers appear to be absent, though foxes are found. The common hare seems to be uncommon, but the mountain hare, which turns white in winter, is sometimes seen. Rabbits are found, though myxamatosis still attacks and keeps numbers down. Hedgehogs are fairly common, and moles are widespread on suitable soil. Stoats and weasels occur, but are elusive, as are otters, while mink descended from escapees are common wherever there is water. The native red squirrel is found not far from the area, but does not occur on the peninsula, while the grey squirrel, introduced from North America at the turn of the century, is the mammal which is most easily seen of all.

Hedgehog

The brown rat, housemouse, woodmouse, field vole and common shrew are all widespread, while the pipistrelle and long-eared bats emerge at dusk.

Among amphibians, the common frog, toad and newt are to be encountered. Reptiles include the common lizard and the slow worm. The adder seems to be very scarce, if present at all, though it is to be found at Loch Lomond-side.

On the sea, the common seal is fairly readily seen, but the porpoise, common on Loch Long 50 years ago, appears scarce at the present time. Whales such as the bottlenose turn up occasionally; a humpback nicknamed "Clydey" caused a stir on the Clyde for some weeks, five years ago.

Mammals 3

1.© Bicameral http://www.flickr.com/photos/bicameral/37060061/

2.© Karen Roe http://www.flickr.com/photos/28752865@N08/3811713563/

3. Photo library