National Polecat Survey
Credit: Alick Simmons
Polecats were once a common and widespread native mammal present across the British Isles. By 1915, polecats could only be found in mid-Wales and the English borders. The population is now slowly recovering and spreading across Britain. Vincent Wildlife Trust has monitored its recovery since the 1990s using National Surveys that rely on the public to submit records of polecat signs and sightings. This is the only dedicated national survey for polecats, with the fourth to take place from 2024 until the end of 2025.
The Mammal Society is assisting the survey by providing records submitted to our recording app - Mammal Mapper.
How you can get involved
If you see a suspected polecat, please submit a record to either:
Vincent Wildlife Trust’s “Report a sighting” form
If possible, please include a photograph or video of the animal to help with verifying the record.
Vincent Wildlife Trust are also asking members of the public to send in hair and whisker samples from dead polecats if it is possible to obtain them safely. For more information on sample collection please refer to the Vincent Wildlife Trust’s National Polecat Survey webpage.
Identifying a polecat
Polecats belong to the weasel family Mustelidae and are ancestors of the domestic ferret (Mustela furo). Like many in this family, which also includes otters, stoats, and pine martens, they have a long body with short legs. Ferrets and hybrid polecat-ferrets are often kept as pets or working animals, and can escape into the wild, becoming feral. Many do not survive, but some do, and breed with wild polecats. Distinguishing between polecats and hybrid polecat-ferrets can be problematic.
Some key identifying features of polecats
Mask-like pattern of dark and light fur on its face (the dark fur should be clearly distinguished, can be extensive, and should extend to the nose)
Dark coloured fur all over the body
Lighter, buff undercoat which can show through the darker fur (especially in winter)
Approximately the size of a ferret (measuring 45-60cm in length, including the tail)
For more information on identifying polecats, and the differences between polecats, ferrets, and hybrid polecat-ferrets, please visit Vincent Wildlife Trust’s National Polecat Survey webpage.
Thank you for showing interest in this project. It is through community science that we are able to help protect the mammals of the British Isles for future generations.