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Animal Size

European polecat size: How big do they get?

How big does a European polecat get? Here is an overview over the average adult age:

A grown European polecat (Mustela putorius) reaches an average size of 35.9 cm (1′ 3″).

When born, they have an average size of 0 cm (0′ 0″). During their lifetime of about 14 years, they grow from 9 grams (0.02 lbs) to 980 grams (2.16 lbs). Talking about reproduction, European polecats have 8 babies about 1 times per year. The European polecat (genus: Mustela) is a member of the family Mustelidae.

As a reference: Humans reach an average body size of 1.65m (5′ 5″) while carrying 62 kg (137 lbs). A human woman is pregnant for 280 days (40 weeks) and on average become 75 years old.

The average adult size of a European polecat is (1' 3

The European polecat (Mustela putorius) – also known as the common ferret, black or forest polecat, foumart (from Middle English ‘Fulmard’, meaning ‘Foul’, and ‘Mearth’ , meaning ‘Marten’), or fitch (as well as some other names) – is a species of mustelid native to western Eurasia and north Morocco. It is of a generally dark brown colour, with a pale underbelly and a dark mask across the face. Occasionally, colour mutations, including albinos and erythrists, occur. Compared to minks and other weasels – fellow members of the genus Mustela – the polecat has a shorter, more compact body; a more powerfully built skull and dentition; is less agile; and it is well known for having the characteristic ability to secrete a particularly foul-smelling liquid to mark its territory.It is much less territorial than other mustelids, with animals of the same sex frequently sharing home ranges. Like other mustelids, the European polecat is polygamous, with pregnancy occurring after mating, with no induced ovulation. It usually gives birth in early summer to litters consisting of five to 10 kits, which become independent at the age of two to three months. The European polecat feeds on small rodents, birds, amphibians and reptiles. It occasionally cripples its prey by piercing its brain with its teeth and stores it, still living, in its burrow for future consumption.The European polecat originated in Western Europe during the Middle Pleistocene, with its closest living relatives being the steppe polecat, the black-footed ferret and the European mink. With the two former species, it can produce fertile offspring, though hybrids between it and the latter species tend to be sterile, and are distinguished from their parent species by their larger size and more valuable pelts.The European polecat is the sole ancestor of the ferret, which was domesticated more than 2000 years ago for the purpose of hunting vermin. The species has otherwise been historically viewed negatively by humans. In the British Isles especially, the polecat was persecuted by gamekeepers, and became synonymous with promiscuity in early English literature. During modern times, the polecat is still scantly represented in popular culture when compared to other rare British mammals, and misunderstandings of its behaviour still persist in some rural areas. As of 2008, it is classed by the IUCN as Least Concern due to its wide range and large numbers.

Animals of the same family as a European polecat

We found other animals of the Mustelidae family:

Animals with the same size as a European polecat

Not that size really matters, but it makes things comparable. So here are a couple of animals that are as big as European polecat:

Animals with the same litter size as a European polecat

Here is a list of animals that have the same number of babies per litter (8) as a European polecat:

Animals with the same life expectancy as a European polecat

Completely different animals, but becoming as old as a European polecat:

Animals with the same weight as a European polecat

As a comparison, here are some other animals that weight as much as the Mustela putorius: