Mammal Identification

Polecat ferret Mustela putorius

Identification features

Polecat ferret. Photo: Derek Whiteley

  • Medium sized mammal with short legs
  • Face has a faint black stripe across it which is highlighted by white areas on either side of it
  • Head has small rounded ears with white margins
  • Body fur is a dark brown colour and may have small white patches.
  • Tail is slightly bushy and black in colour and approximately 25% of the head and body length

Polecats ferrets are found in variety of habitats where rabbits, their main food, are found. Most records are from road kills.

Status in Derbyshire information