Baby Stoat?

[James M]

I was looking through some old photographs and came across this one taken a couple of years ago near Chew Reservoir. It was right near the edge of a busy path and was crying it's heart out, which is what attracted my attention to it, I remember really wanting it to be quiet incase it attracted any predators. I took a quick snap and left it be, unfortunately I think other passers by noticed it too and I never knew what happened to it. Is it a baby Stoat? I worried afterwards that I had got too close and left some scent if the mother hadn't abandoned it already (she was nowhere to be seen at the time), If I didn't I think it's probable that some of the other passers by did unfortunately

If I came across this sort of thing again, what would be a the proper thing to do?

[ron1863]

A lovely shot but I can't tell if it's a Stoat or Weasel. Someone more knowledgeable will tell.

[The Woodman]

It is difficult as both species look so similar when so young. Young mink also might be in the frame.

I would be erring towards stoat though looking at those feet and the size of the head, although pretty much indistinguishable from mink I've had at the same life stage and the same colour.

[wildliferescuer]

We have one in at the moment that looks identical to this one but we are not sure what it is at the moment either. I think probably stoat.

[Kayleigh]

Lovely shot James whatever it is..

[James M]

Thanks all