The polecat nearly went extinct in England in the early 20th century, retreating to a Welsh stronghold. It has since naturally recolonised most of England — one of UK conservation's quiet success stories.
Polecat welfare has improved dramatically since the persecutory era of early 20th century gamekeeping. The shift in public perception — from pest to welcome returning native — has accompanied declining persecution. Road mortality is now the primary cause of adult polecat death. The hybridisation concern with domestic ferrets represents a genetic welfare issue at the population level — pure polecat genetics may become diluted in core range areas as ferret-polecat crosses spread. Non-lethal approaches to polecat management near game rearing areas — including good biosecurity that reduces attraction to pheasant pens — reduce conflict without the welfare harm of lethal control.