POLECAT

n.

Any of several carnivore s of the weasel family (Mustelidae), found in Eurasia and Africa.

The polecat hunts at night, principally on the ground, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, fishes, and eggs. Species differ in size and colour. The European, or common, polecat ( Mustela putorius ), also called foul marten for its odour, weighs 1–3 lb (0.5–1.4 kg) and is 14–21 in. (35–53 cm) long, excluding the 5–8-in. (13–20-cm) bushy tail. Its long, coarse fur is brown above, black below. In the U.S., skunk s are often called polecats. See also ferret .

European polecat ( Mustela putorius )

Russ Kinne

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