Mustelidae Spotlight: Marbled Polecat

Here is a very small member of the polecat family. The marbled polecat is only 13 inches from head to tail. I haven't really been seeing a lot of tiny polecats in the recent weeks, so that makes this little guy special.

The marbled polecat is also a visual spectacle. He has a fairly wide array of different designs on his body. There are lines on his face, stripes on his tail... polka-dots. Yeah, he must have lost a bet or something, but I have to give him credit for really pimping himself out for the world to see. I don't think you'd have much trouble identifying him in a group of other polecats.

Their behavior is aggressive--a very common polecat personality trait. You may wonder why such a tiny fellow should sport such an ire. Well, what does every polecat have in common? That's right! Anal scent glands! Polecats must be extra smart because they sure do have a lot of scents!

Marbled polecats are not so aggressive that they fire blindly. Don't worry, they'll keep the safety on for just enough time for you to run away. These musties put on a little display of warning to people or other animals that come their way. They raise up on their legs, arch their back, curl up their tail, and make all sorts of silly noises. These noises translate into, "I may be small, but I'm still dangerous!"

The marbled polecat likes to eat just about any kind of rodent or small bird he can get his paws on. Mustelidae is well-known for having a good set of teeth for tearing flesh, and they are wonderful hunters. Humans often employ the marbled polecat as "mousers" similar to cats. I do think, however, that a mustie with colors like the marbled polecat should be easier to see. But then again, they tend to favor desert areas, so it may work out for them after all. This species of polecat can be found in the drier areas and grasslands of southeastern Europe to western China.

Fiction-wise, let me just be blunt. This polecat is a pimp. I mean... if you just look at him in the pictures below. the guy really knows how to make an appearance. I imagine these guys do have a mean streak, but otherwise, they make up for any flaws by simply flaunting it! Hey, when you are that short, you might as well make the best of it.

Thank you for reading my blog! If you enjoyed it, you can comment below, or you can email me at tooie@tooiekangaroo.com. See ya next time!