Classification:
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Species: Mustella putorius
 

Description:
The Polecat has a long body with short legs. It has dark coarse fur with a yellow undercoat. The fur is especially dark on tail and legs of the polecat. The Polecat has a striking mask of light and dark fur on its face. The size of a polecat ranges from 45-60 cm long and 1-3 lbs. The tail of a Polecat is around 13-20 cm long and bushy.  They are larger then a weasel, but smaller then an otter. The Polecat has anal scent glands that emits an unpleasant musk/odor when threatened or irritated.

Habitat:
The polecat lives in England, Wales and Scotland. It is found in all kinds of habitats but prefers wet areas and river banks. It is commonly found near humans in farm buildings, dry stone walls, field edges, marsh lands and woodpiles. The Polecat is a solitary nocturnal animal that feeds on mice, voles, rabbits, rats, frogs and other amphibians. The Polecat is an expert swimmer, which makes it easy for them to stockpile frogs in a riverbank den for a snack at a later time.

Related Animals:
Closely related to the Polecat is the Black Footed Ferret, the Domestic ferret, and a hybrid species of the Polecat and a ferret, which is distinguished by its lighter color.

Reproduction:
The Polecat breeds from March - May. The female builds a nest in trees or in heaps of hay. The nest is lined with feathers, fur, and dry herbs. They have a two month gestation period and have 3-8 young.

Threats:
The polecat is traditionally threatened by the fur trade - polecat fur is called fitch - and game keeping. They are considered a threat to the game and killed. They are also caught in traps meant for other animals. The polecat has started to move into more populated areas and is now being increasingly killed on roads by cars. Since they are moving into populated areas due to natural habitat shrinkage, they are acquiring more predators.

Conservation:
Conservation is just in the beginning phases at this time. There are ongoing studies to determine the best way to solve the problems facing the polecat in the wild.