These species are within the family Mustelidae.

Pre-release:

• No pre-release preparation is required if these animals have been in care for a short period of time.

Release assessment/criteria:

• Released mammals:

  • Must be able to recognise, catch, manipulate, consume and digest their natural diet.
  • Must be capable of normal locomotion (movement) and have sufficient fitness for sustained activity.
  • Must have adequate sensory ability (sight, smell, hearing, touch).
  • Must be of an appropriate weight for the age, sex, and time of year for the species. 
  • Must have a satisfactory hair coat.
  • Must show appropriate wariness of humans and domestic animals.
  • (P19.1.w10, P24.233.w11, J35.147.w1, D27)
• Appropriate health checks should be carried out prior to release. A careful assessment (risk analysis) must be made as to the risks of released animals introducing novel pathogens (disease agents) into the wild population/environment.
  • These pathogens may have been acquired from domestic animals, other wildlife casualties or humans whilst the animal was in captivity.
  • The health checks should be designed to minimise the risk that pathogens posing a threat to wild populations of this or other species will be introduced into the environment when the animal is released.
  • (V.w5, V.w6, P28.2000.w1, J15.20.w3)

• The release of  Mustela vison - American mink is prohibited under the Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932. (J35.147.w1, B223)

Selecting a release site:

• An area of suitable habitat should be chosen for release.
• Adults which have been in care for only a short time should be released exactly where they were found or in the nearest safe place.
• (D24, D27, B151)

Timing of release:

• Diurnal species should be released in the morning, giving them a full day to explore and look for food and shelter before nightfall.
• Nocturnal species should be released at night.
• (B151)
• Release should preferably take place during a period of fine weather.

Type of release:

Hard Release:

• This is generally suitable for animals which have been in care for only a short time.

Soft Release:

• Soft release may be more appropriate for juveniles.
• Food should be provided at the release site following release.
• (V.w5)

• Soft release is particularly important for hand reared animals, particularly of species which need to learn about their surroundings (e.g. food sources) and/or learn survival skills such as hunting.
• Soft release is also suitable for animals which have been in care for prolonged periods.
• Soft release may compensate for difficulties of newly released animals finding food and shelter, particularly in a new environment and/or at a time of reduced physical fitness/stamina.
• Hard release is most appropriate for animals which have been held in captivity for only a short time,  for adult animals and for animals being released back into their own territory.
• The individual animal must, at the the time of release, be healthy, have a reasonable level of fitness and be able to fend for itself in the wild.

• Diurnal species should be released in the morning, giving them a full day to explore and look for food and shelter before nightfall.
• Nocturnal species should be released at night.
• Release should preferably take place during a period of fine weather.

• Hard release is least appropriate for juveniles which have been hand reared, particularly species for which learning about their environment and/or social skills are important.
• Hard release may also be inappropriate for adults which have been maintained in captivity for prolonged periods and/or are being released at a site distant from their original location.
• Do not release ferrets.(B151)
• Released animals may be at risk of contracting disease if there is an ongoing disease problem in the wild population at the time of release.
• The wild population may be at risk from novel pathogens (disease agents) carried by a rehabilitated animal. These pathogens may pose the greatest threat to free-ranging populations if the animal is to be released at a site distant from its original location therefore increasing the likelihood of spread of disease. It is important to remember that the casualty wild animal may have acquired disease from domestic animals, other wildlife casualties or humans whilst in captivity. 

• Suitable container for transport to the release site. See: Accommodation of Casualty Small Mustelids

• Knowledge of natural history and habitat requirements is important to choose a suitable release site for hand reared animals.

• Soft release may involve a considerable time investment.
• Soft release may be  expensive in terms of construction of appropriate temporary accommodation at the release site.
• Costs of appropriate health screening.

• The potential risks to the individual being released and to the wild population into which it is being released (also to domestic animals) must be considered before release is undertaken.
• The potential risk to humans and pets from habituated/tame individuals must be considered.
• An offence may be committed under Section 1 of the Abandonment of Animals Act 1960 if a released rehabilitated animal does not have a reasonable chance of survival (i.e. a chance similar to its non-rehabilitated peers). 
  • This may include release at an unsuitable site, in the wrong territory, unfit, not having learned to hunt, at the wrong time of year etc. 
• (J35.147.w1, B156.21.w21, B223, W5.Jan01)
• Under the Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932 it is an offence to release mink (Mustela vison - American mink) or to allow them to escape into the wild. (J35.147.w1, B223)
• In addition, this species is listed on Schedule 9 - Part 1 (Animals and plants to which Section 14 applies (ie. may not be released into or grown in the wild) ) of the LUK2 - Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 of the United Kingdom. (W5.Oct01).

• J15.20.w3, J35.147.w1, B151, P19.1.w10, P24.233.w11, P28.2000.w1, D24, D27, V.w5, V.w6
• J35.147.w1, B156.21.w21, B223, W5.Jan01