The right pet for you?
Rabbits are difficult to look after. They need lots of space, and large homes that can be expensive to create. Before getting any pet, think very hard about whether you can provide everything it needs.

The right pet for you?

Cats are very clean and make good companions for many people. But they can damage carpets and furniture with their claws and may not always want to be stroked and handled.

Feeding birds is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to see wildlife really close up.

In winter, birds may have difficulty finding natural foods such as berries, insects, seeds, worms and fruit. Any food you put out during these cold months will help birds survive until the spring.

Foxes are generally fearful of people and will try to avoid both adults and children. Occasionally, foxes are a little bolder and will enter gardens in broad daylight when people are about. They may be in search of a quiet place to rest, foraging for food scraps, or are simply being inquisitive. Their boldness is not a sign of aggression - a healthy fox would only attack a person if provoked.

During the warmer weather, the RSPCA deals with dozens of calls regarding snakes. The rise in temperature in the spring wakes these reptiles after a state of reduced activity, similar to hibernation, and they become relatively active.

Slow worms, adders, grass and smooth snakes are all indigenous to Britain and sometimes venture into rural gardens. However, there is no need to panic. Snakes are rarely seen, are very timid, and quickly disappear if spotted.