Is this a Polecat?

DookieDoo · #21 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 11:21 PM

Here is a picture of 2 of mine. Dudley, the one with his feet on the floor, is a hybrid.... you can see he is much darker,, different face shape, shorter nose.
The other one with him, Harry, is a ferret.

and close up .....

and just to prove that Dudley really is a big soft baby.....

Vipera · #22 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 11:46 PM

Very cute, what is a poley mitt ferret?

DookieDoo · #23 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 11:52 PM

A poley mitt ferret is like the one in the picture that you posted. Polecat coloured, with white/cream toes/feet, and more often than not.. a white/cream bib.
They are called 'mitts' .... because the markings on their feet look like mittens lol

Vipera · #24 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightranger

Some ex-colleagues of mine (by all means contact the RSPB) know some of the alleged/presumed wild ranges but there is some debate about the source of some if not, all of these animals. The expansion profile from the border range between England and Wales plus some introductions is highly debatable but Sussex is a long way from any possibility. If anyone catches this animal it may be worth asking around.

Well we have heared reports of polecats in the area, i contacted the bio diversity officer of west sussex and she confirmed there are polecats there, i dont think she would mind if i post this from a email from her

Many thanks for your polecat pictures and record.

We have certainly had a few records of Polecat in that general area, I even found one myself dead on the road near West Dean Woods. I sent it off to the Vincent Wildlife Trust who verified that it was a true polecat, but I think its quite difficult to tell from a photo. I would imagine that one wouldn't be able to get that close to a wild Polecat as they're fairly secretive creatures, so I would guess that this is a hybrid or escape pet if it hung about to have his picture taken!

and she sent my report to the vincent wildlife trust and they said they had seen this post on WAB and it was a polecat ferret hybrid, so theres no doubt its a hybrid, but there are real polecats in the area.