The European Polecat, Mustela putorius, is a mustelid species native to western Eurasisa and north Morocco; it is also known as the common ferret, forest polecat, or foumart. Its coat is usually a dark brown color with a pale underbelly and a dark mask across its face. Color mutations like albinos or erythrists may occur. The European polecat has a shorter and more compact body, is less agile, and has a more powerfully built skull than those of minks and other weasels. It is much less territorial than other mustelids, and its diet mainly consists of small rodents, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
The European Polecat has a body length in the range of 11.4”-20” (29-51 cm) and total weight of 1.5-4.2 lb (.7-1.9 kg). European Polecats have a shoulder height between 4.3”-7.5” (11-19 cm), body width of 2.75”-4.7” (7-12 cm), and tail length of 3.1”-7.5” (8-19 cm). The typical lifespan of the European Polecat is between 5-14 years.
The European Polecat, Mustela putorius, is a mustelid species native to western Eurasisa and north Morocco; it is also known as the common ferret, forest polecat, or foumart. Its coat is usually a dark brown color with a pale underbelly and a dark mask across its face. Color mutations like albinos or erythrists may occur. The European polecat has a shorter and more compact body, is less agile, and has a more powerfully built skull than those of minks and other weasels. It is much less territorial than other mustelids, and its diet mainly consists of small rodents, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
The European Polecat has a body length in the range of 11.4”-20” (29-51 cm) and total weight of 1.5-4.2 lb (.7-1.9 kg). European Polecats have a shoulder height between 4.3”-7.5” (11-19 cm), body width of 2.75”-4.7” (7-12 cm), and tail length of 3.1”-7.5” (8-19 cm). The typical lifespan of the European Polecat is between 5-14 years.
