In the United States, the term polecat is sometimes applied to the black-footed ferret, a native member of the Mustelinae. In Southern United States dialect, the term polecat is sometimes used as a …

Much lighter fur distinguishes the masked, or steppe, polecat (M. eversmanni) of southeastern Europe and Asia. Principally terrestrial, the polecat hunts at night, feeding on small mammals and birds.

Polecat The Polecat (Mustela putorius) is a member of the weasel family (Mustelids) and is also known as a ‘Fitch’ relating to its fur. It is related to stoats, otters, weasels and minks. Polecats were once …

May 27, 2024 · The term polecat is an umbrella description which covers a diverse number of mustelids which generally share similar characteristics such as a mask, long, narrow bodies, short legs, …

Perceived as bloodthirsty animals, polecats were declared vermin during the reign of Elizabeth I and the name 'polecat' was used to refer to vagabonds. Despite their reputation as pests of poultry, polecats …

Aug 26, 2025 · The American black-footed ferret ( Mustela nigripes ), often referred to as a polecat in North America, is a highly endangered species native to the central grasslands of the United States. …

Apr 6, 2025 · 37 Studies on polecat behavior have helped improve conservation strategies for other mustelids. 38 Polecats are used as model organisms in research on diseases such as distemper and …

Polecat is a common name for several species of mustelid, which also include weasels, minks, otters, badgers and wolverines. Polecats do not form a single taxonomic rank (i.e. clade).

Jul 20, 2025 · The North American polecat, also simply known as the American polecat, or more commonly and misleadingly called the black-footed ferret, is an endangered mustelid once found …

Aug 15, 2025 · Our expert guide by the Vincent Wildlife Trust takes a look at the elusive polecat.