Polecats On The Move

A nationwide survey has revealed that polecats, which were almost wiped out in Britain in the last century, are making a huge comeback.

16:51 29 January 2016

A nationwide survey conducted by the Vincent Wildlife Trust has revealed that European polecats (Mustela putorius), which were almost wiped out in Britain in the last century, have made a huge comeback and are spreading into areas where they have not been seen for 100 years. Their numbers in areas such as Suffolk and Norfolk, as well as South Yorkshire and Cumbria, are growing.

 

Lizzie Croose, who led the survey, said: "It's brilliant, it's a real conservation success story."

 

"This is something we really need to celebrate, the recovery of a native carnivore that we once almost lost completely."

 

She added: "Polecats are turning up in areas where they haven't been seen for over 100 years, so they have re-colonised really extensive parts of England.”

 

"The main reason for their comeback is that they are not being persecuted so much now.

 

"Polecats are legally protected, so that has resulted in a real reduction in trapping and killing, so polecats have been able to recover and spread across the country once more."

 

Meanwhile, polecat keeper Matt Binstead who works at the British Wildlife Centre, added: "Working so closely with the polecats here, you get a real feel for their character and what a fantastic mammal they really are.

 

"The comeback is a huge success story for conservation groups everywhere."