First beavers born in wild under trial programme

THE first beavers born in the wild since their re-introduction in Scotland last year have been spotted, experts confirmed.

Two newborns - known as kits - belonging to different family groups have been seen in Knapdale Forest in Argyll. The mammals, which became extinct in Scotland 400 years ago, were re-introduced last year as part of a five-year programme.

It will examine whether the animals could be reintroduced into the wild across Scotland.

"Seeing the trial's new-born beaver kits was really amazing," said Christian Robstad, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's beaver field officer.

"After weeks of patient observation, we were finally rewarded with not just one kit being spotted but a second kit from a different family group as well."