Polecat pays Youth Centre a visit!

Welshpool Youth Centre had a surprise visitor this week with staff discovering a polecat had found its way into the building on Howell Drive!

The carnivorous animal has been brought back from the brink of extinction over the last 50 years but sightings of the 20,000 or so believed to be in Wales are still relatively uncommon.

Fortunately, the polecat (pictured) was in good health - and was safely confined within a room at the council building, before being rescued.

RSPCA inspector Phil Lewis safely collected the polecat, and returned it to the wild in nearby fields.

Heart-warming video footage here shows the moment the polecat returned to the wild.

Inspector Lewis said: “Fortunately, the wild animal was safe and well, and was carefully confined before I came to complete the rescue, and return him to where he belongs.

“Rescuing and releasing wild animals is often one of the most rewarding parts of the job – and we’re grateful to the staff member who called us, and helped ensure an adventurous day ended safely for the polecat!”

Cllr Phyl Davies, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Property and Assets, said: “This is probably one of the most unusual visitors to one of our buildings. It came as a shock to staff when they found it in the office.

“I would like to thank staff from the RSPCA for safely collecting the polecat from the office and releasing it back into the wild.”

The RSPCA urges anyone finding wildlife in need of help to contact their 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999.

The RSPCA is a charity and relies on public donations.