Polecat

For other uses, see Polecat (disambiguation).

European polecat

Polecat is a common name for several mustelid species in the order Carnivora and subfamilies Ictonychinae^[1] and Mustelinae. Polecats do not form a single taxonomic rank (i.e. clade). The name is applied to several species with broad similarities to European polecats, such as having a dark mask-like marking across the face.

^[2]In the United States, the term polecat is sometimes applied to the black-footed ferret, a native member of the Mustelinae. In Southern United States dialect, the term polecat is sometimes used as a colloquial nickname for the skunk, which is part of the family Mephitidae.^[3]

Despite their common name, polecats are related more closely to dogs than to cats.

Greek Mythology

The polecat, in accordance with Greek mythology, is one of the symbols that represents Hekate along with two torches.^[2][4]

It represents Hekate for two reasons, one being that Galinthias, the nurse of Alkmene was turned into a polecat and Hekate took pity on her. The other [reason] is that Gale the Witch was turned into one [a polecat] as punishment by Hekate.^[2]

Taxonomy

According to the most recent taxonomic scheme proposing eight subfamilies within Mustelidae, polecats are classified as:

Subfamily Ictonychinae

• Genus Ictonyx
  • Striped polecat, I. striatus, (native to Central, Southern, and sub-Saharan Africa)
  • Saharan striped polecat, I. libycus (Sahara)
• Genus Vormela
  • Marbled polecat, V. peregusna (Southeastern Europe to western China)

Subfamily Mustelinae

• Genus Mustela
  • Steppe polecat, M. eversmannii (Central and Eastern Europe, and Central Asia)
  • American polecat (Black-footed ferret) M. nigripes (Southwest United States)
  • European polecat, M. putorius (Western Eurasia and North Africa)

Mustelidae Lutrinae Mustela, Neogale (subfamily Mustelinae) Galictis, Vormela, Ictonyx, Poecilogale (subfamily Galictinae) Melogale (subfamily Helictidinae) Eira, Gulo, Martes (subfamily Guloninae) Arctonyx, Meles (subfamily Melinae) Mellivora (subfamily Mellivorinae) Taxidea (subfamily Taxideinae)

• 
  Striped polecat
• 
  Steppe polecat
• 
  Black-footed ferret, the “American polecat”
• 
  European polecat
• 
  Marbled polecat

See also

• Polecat–mink hybrid
• Polecat–ferret hybrid

References

1. Nascimento, Fabio Oliveira do (2014). "On the correct name for some subfamilies of Mustelidae (Mammalia, Carnivora)" (PDF). Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia. 54 (21): 307–313. doi:10.1590/0031-1049.2014.54.21. ISSN 0031-1049.
2. "What is the symbol of Hecate?". Answers. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
3. "Skunk Fact Sheet" (PDF). The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division.
4. "HECATE (Hekate) - Greek Goddess of Witchcraft, Magic & Ghosts". www.theoi.com. Retrieved 2025-08-05.