Mustelidae Spotlight: Steppe Polecat

You know, there have been many times where I have heard skunks referred to as polecats. This likely comes from the fact that many breeds of polecats have similar anal scent glands and the ability to spray as a manner of defense. However, not all polecats look like skunks. The steppe polecat is one example.

The steppe polecat can be found in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. They have a body length of about 22 inches and sport a coat of light and dark brown. I think they look really cool, to be honest. Their eyes, in particular, are very dark and seem empty in a scary way. Often, there is a light outline around these eyes creating a contrast. It is very peculiar to look at indeed.

So! What makes a steppe polecat so fascinating? These musties tend to live underground, but they almost never dig their own burrows. It is FAR more common for them to take over the home of another animal fellow. It's usually the unfortunate fate of some random ground squirrel who is promptly killed before the steppe polecat moves in. I know what you are thinking: He's lazy. However, this particular mustie does keep quite busy.

The reason he likely ends up stealing burrows is because he is just so busy going about killing rodents and other small mammals. This aspect of the steppe polecat is a major duty for him. They are constantly running about killing many, many squirrels, hamsters, marmots, moles, and many others. I know it sounds cruel, but many of these little animals can cause trouble for humans living nearby. People generally like the steppe polecat for dispensing of these little trouble makers with such precision. He is actually a force for good. Bet you didn't expect that!

In fiction, I really do see the steppe polecat as the professional assassin working for the side of good. He doesn't necessarily have to be going after little guys like rodents. In fiction, all you really need to concern yourself with is the characters persona and inherent skills. Who you put him against very well could be anything under the sun. As an example, he could be sent out to take care of an army of mischievous ferrets. I'd only pit him against a large group of baddies. Really, this mustie could very well be the Audie Murphy of the mustelidae family. I like the idea of a lone fighter who takes on an army as a force of good.

The nature of the steppe polecat is to spend his days cleaning the world of little nuisances. If he happens to rid a burrow of one of these nuisances, he invites himself in the for the night. I don't blame him for doing so. After all, when you consider all the killing he has planned for the next day, he's gonna need all the napping he can get.

Thanks for reading this blog! If you enjoyed it, you can comment below, or you can email me at tooie@tooiekangaroo.com. Growl!