European polecat (Mustela putorius)

Exterior: Brown fur with paler sides. A pale head with darker markings above the eyes. Small ears with white edges, short legs.

The polecat occurs in Sweden up to the Province of Uppland. Common in Skåne. Mainly nocturnal. A bad climber, who sticks mainly to the ground in damp woods with glades.

Prey: Mostly small rodents and frogs, but also birds, hares, lizards and insects. Also hunts in water.

Order: Predators (Carnivora)

Family: Weasels (Mustelidae)

Weight: 500-1 000 grams. The male is bigger than the female.

Length: 30-45 centimetres, tail 10-15 centimetres

Life span: Up to 10 years

Gestation period: 40 days

Kits: 5-10 kits. Sexually mature at the age of 1 year.