European polecat
Mustela putorius
ok. 39 cmAdult male
Body length (excluding tail)
Body length (excluding tail)
od pyska do nasady ogonaMeasurement: side
- Mass
- approx. 0.6–1.5 kgDorosłe osobniki
European polecat — size comparison
The European polecat (Mustela putorius) is a European mustelid predator. It inhabits wetlands, meadows, woodland edges and farmland. It has an elongated body, s
Silhouette comparison
Length
od pyska do nasady ogonaReference values · details in the profiles
Body length (excluding tail)Scale in cm
010203040
approx. 39 cm
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
European polecat — size comparison — facts and sources
The European polecat (Mustela putorius) is a European mustelid predator. It inhabits wetlands, meadows, woodland edges and farmland. It has an elongated body, short limbs and a dark mask surrounded by pale muzzle fur. Paler underfur shows through the dark guard hairs.
It hunts mainly small mammals, including rodents and rabbits; other small animals also enter its diet. It tracks food chiefly by smell. A flexible body helps movement through dense vegetation and narrow passages where prey may seek cover.
It usually lives alone and is active after dark. It rests in burrows, crevices and sheltered retreats. Scent matters in communication and defence. The female rears young alone, and adults maintain their own territories. The domesticated ferret descends from the polecat, its history linked to use of these predatory skills.
Mammal Society: samce 33–45 cm głowy i tułowia, samice 32–39 cm; ogon 12–19 cm osobno. Dane brytyjskie. Punkt planszy nie jest średnią populacji, chyba że źródło podaje średnią. Przód jest przybliżoną projekcją.