The long-tailed weasel at San Diego Humane Society’s Bahde Wildlife Center. (San Diego Humane Society via SWNS)
By Ben Barry
A long-tailed weasel has returned to the wild after spending 70 days in care.
The tiny patient, found alone on a trail in Riverside County on March 20, 2026, with her eyes still closed, is the youngest long-tailed weasel admitted to the organization’s care.
Upon arrival at San Diego Humane Society’s Bahde Wildlife Center, the weasel was in critical condition, requiring around-the-clock specialized care and feeding.
It included daily medication for ringworm, which was tricky as the caregivers worked hard not to habituate her to humans.
After 10 days of intensive monitoring, she reached a major milestone when her eyes finally opened.
The long-tailed weasel returned to the wild after spending 70 days in care. (San Diego Humane Society via SWNS)
To ensure the weasel remained wild, she was transferred to the organisation’s Ramona Wildlife Centre, where she was housed in a small-mammal habitat that helped her develop the skills necessary to survive on her own.
After 70 days in care, the Project Wildlife team determined the weasel was strong enough and ready. And two days later, she was released into the wild in the Ramona area on May 31, 2026.
Alexis Wohl, DVM, Wildlife Veterinary Manager at San Diego Humane Society, said: “Caring for a mammal this young and this rare requires precision and expertise.
“Because we so rarely see this species, every milestone - from the first time she successfully ate on her own to opening her eyes - is a major victory for our team and local biodiversity.”
Long-tailed weasels are versatile predators who play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent and insect populations. Though found throughout North America, they are difficult to spot due to their speed and nocturnal habits.