Polecat

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Heavy persecution by gamekeepers was responsible for this decline in polecat numbers, but a survey by the Vincent Wildlife Trust in the mid-nineties revealed that polecats had re-colonised much of Wales. They had crossed the border to the Midlands and were advancing east.

Polecats are a member of the weasel family, weighing between 600g-2kg, and measuring up to 46cm for the larger males, or 40cm for the females.

Polecats are found all over Wales, including south of the M4 corridor and on Anglesey, so have a ubiquitous range throughout Wales. Like otters, polecats are susceptible to traffic accidents, and there is a high density of roads in the area.

Polecats are primarily nocturnal, but when the young are born in April/May time, the females hunting to feed young are more likely to be seen over the summer. The newly-independent young may be seen around September/October time.

Polecats mark their territories with the foul smell emitted from the scent-glands at the base of their tail. In Shakespearean times, the word 'polecat' was used to describe someone of equally unpleasant character.