The European polecat (Mustela putorius), also known as the common polecat, black polecat and forest polecat, is a mustelid species native to Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. It is of a generally dark brown colour, with a pale underbelly and a dark mask across the face.

Mustela puto­rius is car­niv­o­rous and gen­er­ally preys on ro­dents and rab­bits. It is a tes­ta­ment to the pole­cat's fe­roc­ity that it can and will take down a rab­bit that is much larger than it­self.

The term polecat most commonly refers to the European polecat (Mustela putorius) or the domestic ferret (M. furo or M. putorius furo), which likely descends from the European polecat but is also used as a colloquial name for several other more distantly related mustelids.

May 27, 2024 · European: Referred to as Mustela putorius, this mustelid’s range includes Northern African and Western Eurasia. It has a shorter, stockier torso compared to other members of the genus. Marbled: Known as Vormela peregusna, this mammal has the characteristic mask and a “mantle” of golden fur speckled with black across its back.

Polecats (subgenus Putorius) are mustelids in the genus Mustela. It includes four living species — the black-footed ferret or American polecat (Mustela nigripes), the domestic ferret (Mustela furo), the European polecat (Mustela putorius), and the steppe polecat (Mustela eversmanii).

The European polecat (Mustela putorius) is a species of mustelid native to western Eurasia and North Africa. It originated in Western Europe during the Middle Pleistocene, with its closest living relatives being the Steppe polecat, the Black-footed ferret and the European mink.

The European polecat (Mustela putorius) is a species of mustelid native to western Eurasia and north Morocco. It is also known as the common polecat, black or forest polecat, European ferret, wild ferret, foumart, fitch, or simply polecat. It is dark brown, with a pale underbelly and a dark mask across the face.

May 27, 2024 · The European polecat’s scientific name is Mustela putorius. The name polecat comes from the French term “poule chat,” which means “chicken cat.” The term refers to the fact that polecats would sometimes raid chicken coops for eggs and chicks. Appearance. The polecat has a slender body, short legs, and a wide head.

The available literature on the biology of the European Polecat (Mustela putorius) is collated. Aspects covered are general biology and systematics, distribution, physical characteristics, variation, skeletal characteristics, habitat, general behaviour, diet and predatory behaviour, breeding, juvenile development, population structure ...

Mar 5, 2016 · The Western polecat Mustela putorius has a widespread European distribution and is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.