A MONTH-OLD weasel is being cared for by a local charity after being found in the Borders.

Susie, who weighs just 16 grams, is being nursed back to health by the Scottish SPCA at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, after being discovered in Newcastleton earlier this month.

Centre manager Colin Seddon said: "Susie is only 16 grams at the moment and is being given milk every two hours.

"She has been showing an interest in chewing recently so we’re hoping to try her with solid food soon as weasels start to wean before their eyes are open.

"We have successfully reared other members of the mustelid family before, including badgers, otters, pine martens, stoats and weasels.

"Don’t let how cute Susie is fool you, weasels are Britain’s smallest carnivore. Once fully grown they are fierce hunters and due to their size they are able to pursue mice and voles in their burrows.

"We expect that Susie will weigh approximately 60 grams as an adult, whereas males can weigh up to 170 grams."

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