The Polecat is distributed over the
whole of Europe, Northern Asia and Wales, although it is spreading
out now into Worcestershire, Cheshire and Staffordshire. There have
also been introductions to several areas of Scotland. Confusion with
regards to the distribution of this species can arise due to the
occurrence of polecat-ferret crosses, which are very similar in appearance
to pure polecats. It was once known as the Foul-Mart due
to it's strong smell, and it's fur, when stripped off is known as
a fitch. It occurs in fields, and on the
outskirts of forests, on over-grown hillsides and near rivers and
ponds. In the winter it comes in towards human habitation to forage
for food and can cause considerable loss among poultry populations.
They prey on small mammals, frogs and fish but will also eat rabbits,
hares and pheasants...who wouldn't they are very very nice..:) Like
it's relations it lives under small piles of stones, in a hollow
tree or in an abandoned burrow. The name 'polecat' may derive from
the early French expression poule-chat - 'chicken-cat' , a reference
to their perceived liking for poultry. When frightened or injured,
they can produce a powerful stink from their anal glands.
Biology:
Male: 15" (38cm)
head and body wi a 5.5" (14 cm) tail. Female: is
slightly smaller.
Courtship: Mating
occurs in March to May and is very rough for the female with the
male dragging her all over the place by the scruff of her neck.
Pregnancy: lasts
about 40 days.
Litter Size: 4-8
young or kittens (kitts). There is usually only one litter a year. Only
around half the litter survives to weaning.
Development: The
young are born in June with whitish fur, this is replaced by darker
fur within three weeks, they open their eyes at about 5 weeks old
and leave the nest when about two months old. Within six weeks they
are the same colour as the adults.
Family groups can be seen into late
summer but normally polecats are solitary. Polecats can live for
up to five years in the wild.
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