RARE polecats have been spotted at a nature reserve near Tring.
The animal, which was once persecuted across the UK, is now extremely rare and are found only in a few parts of England.
A family of polecats, including four kits (babies) have been seen at College Lake Nature Reserve in Bulbourne.
It is the first confirmed recording of breeding polecats in Bucks.
Warden Nancy Reed said: "The mother and kits have all the classical features of polecats and we can say with as much confidence as possible that they are the genuine article."
The animal has a distinctive bandit-like appearance; their white and brown markings around their eyes and blunt face make them easily recognisable.
Although polecats are no longer routinely killed, the population is still under threat from accidental trapping, road deaths and cross-breeding with escaped ferrets.
The nature reserve is open every day from 10am to 5pm except Mondays, with a special late opening on thursday until 8pm.
Find out more about polecats at
www.bbowt.org.uk.