European Polecat
Mustela putorius
- Class
- Mammal
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 1,051
- Most observed in
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
The European polecat (Mustela putorius), also known as the black polecat and forest polecat, is a mustelid species occurring in Europe and the Rif mountains. It is of a generally dark brown colour, with a pale underbelly and a dark mask across the face. Occasionally, colour mutations including albinos, leucists, isabellinists, xanthochromists, amelanists, and erythrists occur.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “European polecat”.