masked polecat

The masked polecat, also known as the steppe polecat (Mustela eversmanni), is a mammal belonging to the Mustelidae family, which includes weasels, skunks, and otters. This carnivore is distinguished by its lighter fur compared to the European polecat.1

Masked polecats inhabit the steppes of southeastern Europe and Asia. They are primarily terrestrial and hunt at night, preying on small mammals, birds, snakes, lizards, frogs, fish, and eggs. These animals are more powerful than martens but less active, and they do not typically climb trees. Litters usually consist of three to eight young, born after a gestation period of about two months.1