Marbled Polecat

The marbled polecat has an unmistakable patterned coat: its dark underside contrasts with a mottled back of black-brown, yellow, orange and reddish fur. A broad white band crosses the forehead, a black mask surrounds the eyes and the rounded ears are white. Short legs and long foreclaws assist with burrowing and extracting prey. Adults measure 28.8–47.7cm from head to body and weigh 295–715g. (Animal Diversity Web)

Its range extends from southeastern Europe through the Middle East and Central Asia to China. Marbled polecats most often occupy steppe and semi-desert, but also occur in scrub, farmland, riparian ground and mountain meadows. They are solitary, territorial predators and may shelter in burrows taken from rodents. Small rodents form the principal prey, with birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and some fruit also recorded. When threatened, the animal can raise its fur and release a strong-smelling secretion. (Animal Diversity Web)