BRITISH MAMMALS 



THE POLECAT. 



Mustela putorius, Linnaeus. 



Plate 20. 



The Polecat, Fitch et, or Foumart (foul marten), as it is variously 

 called, is smaller and more robust in form than the Pine Marten and is 

 much less active and alert in character. 



The length of head and body of the male measures about 1 8 inches, 

 the tail 7 or 8 inches. 



The under fur, soft in texture and pale yellov^ish buiF in colour, 

 blending with the glossy brown or black of the long outer hairs, makes 

 a beautiful combination of colour and gives to the animal a very hand- 

 some appearance. 



It owes its name of Foumart to the highly offensive odour it 

 can emit when irritated, which is stronger than in the Stoat or 

 Weasel. 



The Polecat is found over northern and central Europe, where it 

 occurs even high up among the Alps, but does not penetrate far into 

 the southern parts of the Continent. In England it is rare in the 

 southern countries and appears to be nowhere common, but, according 

 to Mr. Millais, Mammals of Qreat Britain and Ireland^ it is not so 

 rare in Wales as it is generally supposed to be. 



In Scotland, where it was at one time abundant, the Polecat is now 

 very scarce. Being very easily trapped, and preying chiefly on rabbits 

 which it followed into their burrows, it soon became rare or extinct 

 when steel traps became common. As it is also very destructive to game 



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