Polecat
Mustela putorius
Overview
Polecats are recovering. Bandit mask. Dark. Eastern Lakes. Rare. Often confused with feral ferret. Polecat has dark mask. Ferret has pale. Nocturnal. Road casualties. Don't expect to see one.
At a Glance
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Mustelidae |
| Habitat | Woodland · Farmland · Hedgerows |
| Diet | Rabbits, rodents, birds. |
| UK population | Around 47,000. Recovering from persecution. |
| Lake District | Eastern Lakes. Woodland. Farmland. Recovering. Rare. Bandit mask. Dark. Often confused with feral ferret. Polecat has dark mask, ferret has pale. Road casualties. Don't expect to see one. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Woodland, farmland. The eastern Lakes. Recovering. Rare. Often confused with ferret. Bandit mask. Dark. Road casualties. Don't expect to see one.
Identification
Bandit mask. Dark. Similar to ferret. Polecat darker. Ferret paler. Weasel family.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Eastern Lakes. Rare. Bandit mask. Often road casualties. Don't expect to see one.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.