Polecats have expanded from a Welsh stronghold across much of England over the past 50 years following reduced persecution. Road mortality during this range expansion is a significant welfare concern, as dispersing individuals travel widely across fragmented landscapes.
Polecats struck by vehicles suffer traumatic injuries including spinal damage, internal bleeding, and limb fractures. Dispersing animals travel at night and are difficult for drivers to avoid. Unlike badgers, polecats have no road crossing infrastructure adapted to their small size. The welfare significance of road mortality is increased during range expansion when each polecat represents a breeding individual extending into new territory.