Normal body weight is a factor in considering release.

• A. Not relevant
• B. Unknown
• C. TRUE
• D. FALSE

Answer: (C)

In wildlife rehabilitation, reaching a normal body weight is a key indicator that an animal is ready for release. Weight reflects whether there are sufficient energy reserves and muscle mass to survive on its own once back in the wild. The target isn’t just any weight, but the normal baseline for that species (and appropriate sex, age, and season). When an animal reaches and maintains that baseline, it suggests it can forage, thermoregulate, and escape predators, giving it a better chance at success after release. If weight remains below normal, there’s a higher risk of starvation, weakness, or reduced survival, so release should be delayed until weight is restored and other health and behavioral criteria are also met. That’s why the statement is true.