Hand-Reared Polecats Released into the Wild
Orphaned polecat, 2-3 weeks old
It followed the progress of 32 orphaned polecats as they were re-introduced to their natural habitat after being rescued and cared for at an RSPCA wildlife centre. Results from radio-tracking devices showed the animals were able to fend for themselves despite their time in captivity.
The polecats, considered to be a species of conservation concern, were brought into the wildlife centre after their mothers were killed due to road accidents or other causes and later released into the wild as juveniles at carefully selected areas.
They were fitted with tiny radio transmitters which meant they could be individually identified. They were then followed for as long as possible or until the transmitter naturally fell off, so that their movements, behaviour and feeding patterns could be analysed.
Robert Scrivens, supervisor at Stapeley Grange and co-author of the research, said: “The results of this project superseded expectation in many ways. It has given us confidence that the rehabilitated polecats we release are surviving, showing normal behaviour and adapting back to the wild very well.”
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
