Surprise at woolly pigs which are roaming happily through woods

At first glance they look just like sheep...but take a closer look and these unusual creatures are actually rare woolly pigs.

Almost driven into extinction just a few years ago, these oddlooking animals were spotted in woods between Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay.

Katie Blake, 54, a volunteer working in the woods for the Kent Wildlife Trust, was so surprised when she spotted them she dropped her tools.

Known as Mangalica, they are an Hungarian breed of domestic pig.

Mrs Blake, of Marine Parade, Tankerton said: “I was there helping to clear a section of the woodland.

“We were standing around and they just walked past. There were three of them, all about the same size.”

She added: “At first we thought they were sheep, then we realised they were actually pigs. I just dropped my loppers and rushed to follow them with my camera.

“They were very tame - they didn’t mind us being there at all.”

Staff at Wildwood Discovery Park in nearby Herne said they were aware of other sightings of the woolly animals.

A wildlife park spokesman said the pigs are believed to be domesticated, but that no owners have yet been identified.

Wildwood spokesman Dan Farrow said: “The woolly pigs are not indigenous to the UK.

“There are a number of farms in the UK which breed them for meat and they also make good pets, but as far as we’re aware there are no wild colonies on our shores.

“Chances are the pigs roaming Thornden Woods have escaped from a farm or a private collection - we do not have any of this breed at the park.”

He also issued advice for members of the public who may see them.

“They’re not a danger to the public unless cornered or threatened, but you should keep your distance and report any sightings to the council.

“Hopefully the owners will be found soon.”