The polecat has re-expanded across much of England following release from persecution and welfare considerations focus on road casualties, illegal persecution and introgression with ferrets.
Polecat welfare during re-expansion is most threatened by road traffic. Their terrestrial hunting habits bring them into frequent contact with roads. Illegal persecution by gamekeepers still occurs in some areas despite legal protection. Winter survival is challenging in harsh conditions. Hybridisation with ferrets raises questions about long-term population integrity though does not itself cause direct welfare harm.