Mustela putorius, commonly known as the European polecat, is a small carnivorous mammal belonging to the weasel family. It has a slender body, short legs, and a bushy tail, typically measuring about 50 to 60 centimeters in length. The fur is usually dark brown with lighter underparts, and it has distinctive facial markings. These animals are primarily nocturnal and are known for their playful behavior. The European polecat is found across various habitats in Europe, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals, birds, and insects. Often confused with domesticated ferrets, which are descendants of the polecat, they play an essential role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems by controlling rodent populations.