Polecat ('mustela putorius')

Taxidermy possibly by J. Hutchings of Aberystwyth. Good condition with a great expression on the polecat's face. Case has glass sides.

Dimensions: height x width x depth: 39.5 x 46 x 20 cms

The polecat is a ferocious hunter taking everything from insects to animals as large as the hare. It is quite happy to live in close proximity to people, particularly around farms. Because of this, and its habit of raiding chicken houses, it has been ruthlessly persecuted. During the 19th century the polecat was almost exterminated in Britain, surviving only in one small area of Wales, centred around the Aberystwyth area. Its numbers are now increasing again but it is still confined to parts of Wales and has not yet managed to re-colonise other parts of Britain.

Description: Ceredigion Museum