polecat

{{Other uses}}

File:Polecat in denmark.jpg ]]

Polecat is a common name for several mustelid species in the order Carnivora and subfamilies Ictonychinae{{Cite journal|last=Nascimento|first=Fabio Oliveira do|date=2014|title=On the correct name for some subfamilies of Mustelidae (Mammalia, Carnivora)|url=http://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/7e2f/b2cd266caa706d759bbf980da5ed044d3228.pdf|journal=Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia|volume=54|issue=21|pages=307–313|doi=10.1590/0031-1049.2014.54.21|issn=0031-1049|doi-access=free}} and Mustelinae. Polecats do not form a single taxonomic rank (i.e. clade). The name is applied to several species with broad similarities to European polecats, such as having a dark mask-like marking across the face.

In the United States, the term polecat is sometimes applied to the black-footed ferret, a native member of the Mustelinae. In Southern United States dialect, the term polecat is sometimes used as a colloquial nickname for the skunk, which is part of the family Mephitidae.{{cite web|title=Skunk Fact Sheet|language=en|website=The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division|url=https://georgiawildlife.com/sites/default/files/wrd/pdf/fact-sheets/2005_skunk.pdf}}

Despite their common name, polecats are related more closely to dogs than to cats.