Polecat is a possibility (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Polecat is a possibility

I AGREE with K J Viveash (SA Aug 25) that the animal seen by R S Taylor is most likely to be an escaped or feral ferret but polecats cannot be ruled out.

Polecats have made a return to Swindon Borough and Wiltshire in recent years, with positive confirmation having been made through DNA studies of road casualties.

Recently, a new Mammals Group has formed and is engaged in research into the status and distribution of all mammals throughout Swindon and Wiltshire.

The Mammals Group costs £5 a year to join.

A number of research projects are planned from dormice and harvest mice to winter dawn surveys.

Training is provided in to the humane methods used.

For more information write to Wiltshire Mammals Group, Elm Tree Court, Long Street, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1NJ or email wiltshiremammalgroup@hotmail.co.uk

N PULLEN

Swindon Wildlife Office

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

Victoria Road, Swindon