EUROPEAN POLECAT

Mustela putorius


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IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)

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EUROPEAN POLECAT

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Mustela putorius Mustela putorius Mustela putorius Mustela putorius Mustela putorius Mustela putorius Mustela putorius Mustela putorius Mustela putorius

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Description

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The largest member of the genus Mustela in Britain (3), polecats have weasel-like slender bodies, short legs and a broad head (1). Males are much larger and heavier than females, but other than this size difference they share the same general appearance, with a buff to black coloured coat (4), and a black face with a white mask around it (6). During winter the coat is thick, lustrous and glossy, but in summer it is thinner and appears somewhat faded (1).