Polecats.

[Bodger]

Drove five miles into town this morning and saw no less than three squished polecats .
I know that they aren't everywhere in the country but just how rare are they ?

[GerryNick2]

Polecats are very much loners and it is unusual to come across three in these circumstances. There is a strong possibility they were escaped polecat ferets. They can be difficult to tell apart but the wild polecat has much darker facial features.

Gerry

[clairey]

Where abouts in the country are you Bodger? The Vincent Wildlife Trust are doing a survey on the distribution of polecats and polecat/ferrets and they might well be interested in your sightings. Also the PTES and Mammals Trust have been doing a mammals on roads survey so they might be interesed too. Shame to see so many dead, they really are lovely creatures.

[Bodger]

Originally Posted by GerryNick2

Polecats are very much loners and it is unusual to come across three in these circumstances. There is a strong possibility they were escaped polecat ferets. They can be difficult to tell apart but the wild polecat has much darker facial features.

Gerry

GN
These are definately genuine Polecats, we have been surounded by them for years. I live on the Lleyn Peninsular which has always been a stronghold for them.
The bodies were not together but well spaced out over the full 5 miles.
As an ardent poultry keeper I've come into conact with these animals before, as have others in the area !
Very common where we are, how about other areas ?

[lordfalkener]

Bramshott, Hampshire, UK. 02.15hrs I was woken by one of my dogs barking in the garden and a screaming noise that I hadn't heard before. As I approached the dog I could smell a really strong odd odour. Eventually after the dog was tied up, I shined my torch and low and behold a Polecat. I Googled a picture of the Polecat which confirm what it was. I understand these are quite rare.....proud to be host to such a rare beast !

[mrs fish]

They are lovely animals and it must be a good feeling to see one in the wild
I use to keep ferrets and I had one that looked just like a polecat, his name was Eric

[aeshna5]

Though it's sad to see these corpses, the one positive thing is that they are probably the best way of recording the presence of this elusive animals presence in an area.

[nightshade]

Sounds as if they may have been youngsters travelling together
I think the adults are more solitary

[speckled wood]

Here's a thread with some useful Polecat/Ferret information
Return of the Polecat

SW