Polecats

[taichiperson]

Does anyone know if polecats dig holes or burrows? We have rabbits in our garden, and have also seen a polecat recently - very bold. We have just dicovered a newly- dug hole under an oak tree, and wonder if it is possible that it is the work of the rabbits or polecats? We would cover it over to discourage rabbits but are more than happy to encourage the polecats. We've given up growing lettuce and the rabbits do some damage to other plants.

[doglady]

Where are you? Are you sure it's not an escaped ferret?

[taichiperson]

We live in Cumbria. No, it's not a ferret, it has the face markings of a polecat - I have photos....
Do you know if they dig holes/burrows, or use abandoned ones?

[nee]

it is more likely to be the rabbits digging nests for their young. the polecat is more likely to be hanging around to eat the rabbits.

[taichiperson]

Thanks - we do have experience in rabbit burrows - just wondered if polecats are diggers too. I'd thought of blocking up the hole, not just to discourage the rabbits, but to protect the tree, which is enormous and very close to the hopuse.
So, are polecats diggers? I'd love to know.....

[diff]

i have kept ferrets, some polecat for years as we use them for catching rabbits, the answer is no as they tend to take over rabbit burrows after they have removed the occupants. we have had polecats coming out of holes while we have been working our ferrets.

[taichiperson]

Thnaks very much - just the answer I was looking for!