For some time now these water rats or brown rats have been living at this pond at a local park, the council have tried getting rid of them but to little success as they seem to think that they water voles?? hmmm, this morning these two were active around their holes in the bank.

   

   

They look like rats to me. Rats can swim, too.

Kingfisher

Brilliant photos. I agree with Kingfisher, they look like rats, cute though aren't they.

That's also been the demise of a number of Water Voles, people thinking they are Rats. I know local Pest controllers had to go on a Water Vole course to make sure they knew the difference.

Nice shots by the way.

Chris.

Thanks everyone for comments...i even showed the parks and leisure guy that came down to inspect the pond the images, much to my amazement he said they were definately voles!!!

Lol They are definitely rats! Esp the second one, the plumpness of the body gives them away, yet they can squeeze through the smallest of gaps!

Here's a rat:



and here's a water vole:



I'd say rat too, just look at the ears.

I agree, just look at this one: