Six baby stoats found on Highland road next to dead mother

AN animal welfare charity is caring for a family of young stoats after being discovered in North Kessock, Inverness.

One of the six stoats found alive. Picture: Colin Seddon/SSPCA

Named after the characters from the hit American TV comedy Friends - Ross, Joey, Chandler, Rachel, Monica and Phoebe - the adorable stoats are now being rehabilitated at the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross.

They were found next the the body of their mother on 28 May.

Some of the save stoats. Picture: Colin Seddon/SSPCA

Centre manager Colin Seddon said: “They are all feeding themselves and we’re going to move them to a large outdoor enclosure soon. We’ll release them back into the wild as a group when they are fully independent.

“They look very cute and cuddly now, but when they’re fully grown they will be a predator to other wildlife such as rabbits, mice and voles.”

Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.