Ferret???

[Wolfhill]

My Dad spotted this out of the car window as we were parking at a seabird reserve we regularly visit. I think it is a wild Ferret but I'm not sure could anyone confirm please? It was hunting on young Rabbits, like the one it haas in it's mouth lol.



Thanks, Fergus

[Alan]

Yeah it looks like a feral ferret to me Fergus. One of the 'polecat' varieties.

There are no true Polecats up your way as far as I know, with them mostly located in Wales and the west of England.

A true Polecat would have large white whiskers/muzzle and stronger markings. Also a blacker nose.

Alan

[Wolfhill]

Thanks for confirming that Alan.
Fergus

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Wolfhill

Thanks for confirming that Alan.
Fergus

Forgot to say - great shot

[Alan]

Just to throw a spanner in the works! Just checked current distribution of the Polecat. There appears to be a population in the Perthshire region of Scotland!

Although to me your picture suggests Ferret, it is possible that it could be a pale form of Polecat. To confuse the matter even further, although in general Ferrets are poor at surviving in the wild, it is possible it could be a hybrid: Polecat x Ferret (polecate variety). These have been recorded when ecaped Ferrets have bred with Polecats.

The only true way of telling these appart is an examination of the skulls of dead specimens.

I suppose the term 'never say never' springs to mind!

[henrya]

Markings are definitely of the Ferret type, and whilst you get dark Ferrets which are almost impossible to distinguish from Polecats, light Polecats are not mentioned in the Handbook. I'd be happy to class this as a Ferret.

henrya

[Wolfhill]

Thanks Henrya for backing up what Alan originally said
Fergus

[Alan]

Thanks Henrya for backing up what I originally said, and thanks Fergus for thanking Henrya for backing up what I originally said, and thanks me for thanking Fergus for thanking Henrya for baking up what I originally said, and.......

....oh and thanks

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by Alan

Thanks Henrya for backing up what I originally said, and thanks Fergus for thanking Henrya for backing up what I originally said, and thanks me for thanking Fergus for thanking Henrya for baking up what I originally said, and.......

....oh and thanks

go have a lie down

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

go have a lie down

Yes nurse..