A stoat which was caught by a cat at just three-weeks-old has been rehabilitated by a wildlife rescue centre and released back into the wild.
Sebastian weighed 260 grams when he was discovered in Earlston, Berwickshire by Scottish SPCA workers in May.
The animal welfare organisation made the decision to bring the animal to the charity’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Alloa for dedicated care.
Sebastian was the only stoat admitted to the centre since 2021, and just the fourth in the past four years, centre assistant manager April Dodds said.
Scottish SPCAShe added: “We don’t get many stoats coming into our care.
“He thrived in our care and was soon moved outside to a specialist aviary where he could learn natural behaviours.
“Sebastian was then released on July 25 when he was 12-weeks-old. This is the age when young stoats would naturally disperse and leave their mother.
“We’re sorry to see him go but so happy he made a full recovery and was able to go back to the wild where he belongs.”
If anyone finds an animal in distress they should call the charity’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
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