Orphaned Weasel at RSPCA Stapeley Grange

A rare admission of a tiny orphaned baby weasel is being cared for at the RSPCA wildlife centre in Nantwich.

The nine-week-old weasel – a ‘kit’ – is at RSPCA Stapeley Grange on London Road after being found alone and without his mum in woods in Rotherham.

As he was so young he had to be fed with a syringe initially.

However he quickly put on weight and is now in an enclosure where he is taking food himself.

“When he arrived he weighed just 45g and was around 10cm long,” said Lee Stewart, manager at Stapeley Grange.

“It is very rare that we get weasels in, we’ve only had 28 since 2010, this is our first this year.

“While there are a large number of weasels in the UK, they are so small and fast-moving that it is rare to see one in the wild.”

Weasels are the UK’s smallest carnivorous mammal, rarely growing to larger than 22cms.

Weasel at Stapeley Grange

They are widespread across Britain, found living in a variety of habitats including urban areas, woodland, marshes and moors.

If a member of the public finds a weasel they think needs help, keep your distance and call the 24-hour RSPCA Emergency Line on 0300 1234 999.

Do not attempt to handle these animals as they can scratch and bite when frightened, particularly if they are injured.

For more information about what to do if you find an injured wild animal, visit
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredanimals

Weasel in care

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