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
Marbled polecat Marbled polecat The marbled polecat ("Vormela peregusna") is a small mammal belonging to the monotypic genus Vormela within the Mustelinae subfamily. "Vormela" is from the German word "Würmlein", which means "little worm". The term "peregusna" comes from "perehuznya", which is Ukrainian for polecat. Marbled polecats are generally found in the drier areas and grasslands of southeastern Europe to western China. Like other members of Mustelinae, it can emit a strong-smelling secretion from anal sacs under the tail when threatened. Ranging in length from 29–35 cm (head and body), the marbled polecat has a short muzzle and very large, noticeable ears.