Chiltern Polecat - picture evidence!

toosmooth · #1 (**permalink**) 26-02-2008, 03:14 PM

Following on from the lively debate started with my recent thread "I saw a Pine Marten in the Chilterns, didn't I?" the Pine Marten became a Polecat, and then the Polecat may have become a Hybrid with a Ferret and then it was just a Ferret.

Well, sad news this, but I saw a roadkill about a mile from my original sighting this morning, and having the time to stop and look this afternoon, I can confirm that the dead thing is exactly what I saw.

If you're squeamish, then the pics aren't for you, as the poor thing has been hit by a car (probably the same one that I saw, it had no road sense at all bless it)
but I'd love someone who knows what they're on about to cast an eye on it.

Pics can be seen by clicking here and here. they're only from a mobile phone so they're not great, but you'll get the type of animal clearly.

regards

Paul B

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 26-02-2008, 03:18 PM

Yes its a polecat.

Although since ferrets are practically the same but domesticated strains you would never know for sure (although we all had this conversation on the last thread). However much more likely a wild polecat in that area. Definately not a mink or pine marten or anything else

.

toosmooth · #3 (**permalink**) 26-02-2008, 05:08 PM

As soon as I saw a picture of a Polecat after the first thread, I was convinced that it was one.

Such a shame that we had to confirm it like this.

There's a very active rabbit population just over the road from where it was killed and I guess that was the thing that dragged it into the area.

So, moving the debate along - was this a loner or will they only colonise areas if they move around in groups?

Can I expect to see more?

Regards

Paul B

ChrisJB · #4 (**permalink**) 26-02-2008, 07:36 PM

Oh no! What an absolute damn shame! Keep your eyes out Paul for more. Whilst I'm sure they aren't common, if there was one, I don't see why there wouldn't be more.

Regards, Chris

naturelover · #5 (**permalink**) 26-02-2008, 07:57 PM

What a shame poor dear,hope it was quick, but by the picture i dont think it was somehow.

haematocephalus · #6 (**permalink**) 26-02-2008, 08:06 PM

Paul,

A number of polecats have been reported to the records centre in recent years, many were photographed and have been verified by the Vincent Wildlife Trust (when they were running their national survey, now finished). Most have been recorded from along the northern edge of the Chilterns, but a few from further south and north as well. It seems they have become re-established in the area, which is excellent news, although very sad that virtually all the records we have are as a result of roadkills.

Not sure whether you're sighting was in Bucks or not, but if you're willing to send in the location details (via personal message or direct email) I'd be grateful for the information.

Martin

Martin Harvey
Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Environmental Records Centre

Vixen · #7 (**permalink**) 27-02-2008, 02:42 PM

what ever it is it such a shame.

I been around ferrets and polecats for 6 years and I still can't tell them apart. But Wilds make dreadful pets.

I so so worry people are going to keep breeding hybirds and there gonna get into the wild population and ruin the wild polecats, and we will lose a beautiful UK native speshish because of people greed.

will post a pic of my polecat coloured ferret later

EDIT: I just looked at the pic again, and I think it someones lost pet those claws looked to looked after.

Vixen · #8 (**permalink**) 28-02-2008, 12:32 PM

just thought I post this link for anyone who interested.

http://www.vwt.org.uk/species/polecat.php

Pete Collins · #9 (**permalink**) 28-02-2008, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haematocephalus

Paul,

A number of polecats have been reported to the records centre in recent years, many were photographed and have been verified by the Vincent Wildlife Trust (when they were running their national survey, now finished). Most have been recorded from along the northern edge of the Chilterns, but a few from further south and north as well. It seems they have become re-established in the area, which is excellent news, although very sad that virtually all the records we have are as a result of roadkills.

Not sure whether you're sighting was in Bucks or not, but if you're willing to send in the location details (via personal message or direct email) I'd be grateful for the information.

Martin

Martin Harvey
Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Environmental Records Centre

Fascinating! I live on the northern edge of the Chilterns (very close to where toosmooth lives and where he saw the polecat) and had absolutely no idea there were polecats in the region. I'll keep an eye out for them on my walks (I'll be walking all along the northern edge of the Chilterns in the next 2-3 months), and if lucky enough to see one I'll report it.

Jonathan · #10 (**permalink**) 28-02-2008, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vixen

EDIT: I just looked at the pic again, and I think it someones lost pet those claws looked to looked after.

Hi Vixen,

I think they're simply worn down through constant use on rough ground, domestic ferrets don't get anywhere near the amount of excercise a wild polecat would.

Jonathan