The European marbled polecat is a small mammal and carnivore that lives in Bulgaria. Its name says European, but they can also be found in parts of Asia. One interesting part of the animal is its fur; the unique fur patterns on their backs are what give them the name “marbled.” Their faces and undersides are a dark brown, almost black, fur. Their foreheads have a light-colored band usually made of light yellow or white fur. Their backs are a light brown or yellow fur with irregular dark brown or red patches. It makes them look spotted, or marbled. There are other similar types of polecats in Europe, but this species is known for its unique and beautiful fur patterns.
- The average marbled polecat is between 29 and 38 centimeters long.
- They weigh between 370 and 715 grams.
- They live in burrows that they dig for themselves.
- Polecats usually live in grasslands, but some can live in deserts.
- These mammals are carnivores and eat smaller mammals, birds and reptiles.
- They hunt using their extremely strong sense of smell.
- They have poor eyesight.
- Some shopkeepers have been known to keep them to kill rodents.
- Their legs are short but very strong for digging and hunting.
- They usually live for about eight years.
- They have sacs under their tail that hold a strong-smelling secretion that they will release when threatened, like skunks.
- Their unique fur might be a warning to predators about this stinky defense system.
Even though the European marbled polecat has a large range, meaning it can be found from Bulgaria to China, it is rare and vulnerable. It has no natural predators, but many are killed by cars and the reduction of their natural habitat. They are especially vulnerable in Europe, which is where they have lost the most habitat. The largest populations of European marbled polecats may be in Asia now.
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