Home › Mammalia › Mustelidae › Western Polecat (Mustela putorius)
SPECIES PROFILE
Western Polecat (Mustela putorius)
Mustela
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Western Europe
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Farmland, woodland
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Mustelidae
GENUS
Mustela
📋 Description
SIZE
30-45 cm body, 700-1,500 g
COLORATION
Dark brown, white face mask
ADAPTATIONS
Strong smell, good hunter
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Farmland, woodland
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Western Europe
REPRODUCTION
5-10 kits, 1 litter per year
DIET DETAILS
Rodents, rabbits, amphibians
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Persecution, roadkill
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The polecat has a distinctive white face mask and a very strong musky smell.
2
It is recovering in Britain after near-extinction from persecution.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Welsh borders UK
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Rare; look for in farmland and woodland at night.
