The Scottish SPCA has released a mountain hare back into the wild after he was found at less than a week old.
We were alerted after the hare was discovered by a member of the public in Balblair in Ross-shire on 23 May.
The adorable little hare was rehabilitated at the charity’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, where he was named Nevis.
Centre Manager Colin Seddon said, “Nevis was the first mountain hare we’ve ever hand reared at our centre in Fishcross so it was exciting.
“He was hand reared by Nicola Turnbull, one of our wildlife assistants.
“Their natural habitat is In the mountains and hills so they’re rarely picked up.”
“The mountain hare turns white in winter to blend in with the snowy environment and, when weaned, they feed largely on heather shoots and mountain plants/grasses.
“Nevis was successfully released back into the wild at a carefully selected site. Sadly mountain hares are still heavily persecuted so we’ve ensured he’s in an area where there is no form of control or culling.”
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
Every year the Scottish SPCA rescues thousands of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.
In 2016, we cared for over 9,300 wild animals - a new record!
We help every kind of wild animal in Scotland and are the only national animal welfare charity which rescues birds.
Find out more about our wildlife rescue work.
