The European polecat is a small carnivorous mammal belonging to the weasel family, Mustelidae. It has a slender body, short legs, and a bushy tail, typically measuring about 50 to 70 centimeters in length. Its fur is usually dark brown with lighter underparts and a distinctive pale mask around its eyes. These animals are primarily nocturnal and are found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands across Europe. The European polecat feeds on small mammals, birds, and insects, using its keen sense of smell to hunt. They are known for their playful behavior and are often solitary, except during mating season.