2007-12-31 02:38:43 · 5 answers · asked by Suneagle47 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
The polecat, Mustela putorious, is a European member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, which includes stoats, mink, otters, badgers and wolverines. It is the ancestor of the domestic ferret. It is not a skunk, though the species are related.
The raccoon, Procyon lotor, is a North American animal belonging to the family Procyonidae, which includes coatis, ringtails, olingos, kinkajous and the red panda.
2007-12-31 03:20:12 · answer #1 · answered by The Wise Wolf 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A polecat is a European weasel with a decided aroma. The term is often used in the U.S., incorrectly to refer to a skunk. Raccoons are in a different family.
2007-12-31 02:50:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Polecat is another name for a skunk. A skunk and a raccoon are not the same animal. Skunks are small, black and white nocturnal omnivores that defend themselves with a powerful spray of noxious chemicals. Raccoons are larger, mostly brown animals with a black "bandit's mask" and rings on their tails. They are also nocturnal and omnivorous, but have no chemical defenses.
2007-12-31 02:49:03 · answer #3 · answered by jillmcm1970 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think "polecat" is usually used to refer to a skunk and not a raccoon.
2007-12-31 02:46:15 · answer #4 · answered by hcbiochem 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I always considered a Pole Cat a skunk.
2007-12-31 02:46:09 · answer #5 · answered by jonesn207 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋