European polecat In the former Soviet Union, polecats are hunted chiefly in late autumn and early winter with guns and hunting dogs, as well as foothold traps and wooden snares. However, even in season, hunters rarely catch more than 10-15 polecats. The species does not constitute an important element in former Soviet commercial hunting, and is usually only caught incidentally. The European polecat is a valuable fur bearer, whose pelt (fitch) is more valuable than the steppe polecat's. Its skin is used primarily in the production of jackets, capes and coats. It is particularly well suited for trimmings for women's clothing. The
Saharan striped polecat night in the open in a quite deliberate way with its tail held vertically. Before releasing the anal emission it will raise its fur in an attempt to warn the potential attacker. In Tunisia these animals are often caught and exploited because of the tribal belief that they may increase male fertility. Saharan striped polecat The Saharan striped polecat, also known as the Saharan striped weasel, Libyan striped weasel, and the North African striped weasel ("Ictonyx libycus") is a species of mammal in the family Mustelidae. This animal is sometimes characterized as being a part of the genus "Poecilictis", and