Wildlife Rehabilitation Bulletin

Weasels, minks and fishers—orphan rehabilitation of the slinky carnivores, Part 2: care protocols for orphaned infants and Juveniles

2025-02-26T12:53:24+00:00

Mustelids are highly specialized, efficient predators with special care needs while in a rehabilitation setting. The following intake and orphan care protocols for select North American mustelids is a combination of natural history, literature review, established orphaned wildlife rehabilitation procedures, professional consultations and personal experience. The protocols address some of the unique characteristics and requirements of these slinky carnivores, while also providing tools necessary for successful rehabilitation and release. Part 1: Natural History (Popp 2024) discusses the natural history of North American weasels, minks and fishers, including physical characteristics, habitat and diet, and how these factors may be used to inform their intake and care protocols when brought into the rehabilitation setting. Part 2: Care Protocols for Orphaned Infants and Juveniles discusses vetted care protocols for orphaned weasels, minks and fishers based on their natural history and established orphaned wildlife rehabilitation procedures. Part 3: Pre-Release Conditioning and Release discusses the steps involved in preparing these species for a successful release.

Review of NWRA Wildlife Formulary

2024-09-07T20:33:01+00:00

Outcome charts pilot project: for their welfare and yours

2024-07-01T10:08:49+00:00

As a veterinarian or rehabilitator, it can be hard to make triage decisions for displaced, ill or injured animals. Does this animal have a good likelihood of release? Should it be euthanized? What about permanent placement? While some of this information exists in codes, standards, publications and anecdotes, navigating it can be difficult. Partners for Wildlife staff and fellows, along with subject-matter-experts have compiled outcome charts for seven groups or specific species of commonly presented wildlife: bats; cervids; freshwater turtles; mink (Neogale vison); rabbits and hares; raptors and vultures (Cathartes aura and Coragyps atratus). These concise charts are designed to promote timely and humane decisions for their welfare and yours.