What is the primary concern when releasing rehabilitated wildlife back into the wild?

The primary concern when releasing rehabilitated wildlife back into the wild is ensuring that the animal can survive independently and is in suitable habitat. This consideration is crucial because the ultimate goal of rehabilitation is to prepare the animal for a successful return to its natural environment.

Survival skills, such as foraging for food, finding shelter, and avoiding predators, must be intact for the animal to thrive once released. Additionally, the habitat must provide the necessary resources—like food, water, and shelter—appropriate for the species and individual circumstances. A successful release hinges on these factors, as an animal that cannot sustain itself in the wild poses a greater risk of starvation, injury, or failure to reproduce.

The other options, while they may seem relevant, do not address the fundamental biological and ecological needs of the animal as directly. Finding a new owner does not contribute to the animal's ability to live in the wild, and while familiar environments can be beneficial, they are not always available or ideal. Likewise, making the animal accustomed to human presence can create problems, potentially leading to the animal becoming too reliant on humans, which is contrary to the goal of facilitating independence in the wild.