Pole-Cat, or Mustela puto-rius, L. an animal of prey, of a dusky-yellow colour, with whitish ears and muzzle : it inhabits most parts of Europe ; and, in temperament, manners, disposition, and form, resembles the Martin.

Pole-cats burrow under ground, forming a shallow retreat about two yards in length, which generally terminates under the roots of a large tree.—The female breeds in the spring, and brings forth three, four, and sometimes five young at a time.

These predatory animals approach our habitations, mount on the roofs, or take up their abode in hay-lofts, barns, and unfrequented places, whence they issue during the night, in search of prey. They occasion greater havock among poultry, bees,etc. than the Martins with a view to obtain honey, they attack the hives in winter, and compel the bees to abandon them. When frightened, the pole-cat emits an exceedingly offensive fetor; which is so pungent and hurtful to fowls, that they sometimes fall down from the places where they roost; and thus become a prey to this quadruped.

For a method of exterminating these depredators, we refer to the article Martin.