A young long-tailed weasel, discovered alone on a trail in Riverside County, California, has been successfully returned to the wild after receiving 70 days of intensive care. The weasel, found on March 20, 2026, was the youngest of its kind to be admitted to the San Diego Humane Society’s Bahde Wildlife Center.

Critical Care and Rehabilitation

Upon arrival, the weasel was in critical condition, requiring round-the-clock specialized care and feeding. The dedicated team at the center provided daily medication for ringworm while ensuring the animal did not become habituated to humans. A significant milestone was reached when the weasel opened her eyes after 10 days of intensive monitoring.

To further prepare the weasel for life in the wild, she was transferred to the Ramona Wildlife Centre. There, she was housed in a small-mammal habitat designed to help her develop the necessary survival skills.

Successful Release

After 70 days in care, the Project Wildlife team determined that the weasel was strong enough to be released. On May 31, 2026, she was set free in the Ramona area. Alexis Wohl, DVM, Wildlife Veterinary Manager at the San Diego Humane Society, highlighted the importance of this success, stating, “Caring for a mammal this young and this rare requires precision and expertise.”

Long-tailed weasels are known for their role as versatile predators, crucial in controlling rodent and insect populations. Although they are found throughout North America, their speed and nocturnal habits make them difficult to spot.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.