Skunk vs. Polecat: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 11, 2023
Skunks are North American mammals known for their distinctive black and white coloration and potent spray. Polecats are European mustelids, closely related to weasels and ferrets, with a musky odor.
Key Differences
Skunks are iconic animals native primarily to the Americas, particularly North America. They are recognized for their black and white striped or spotted fur. Polecats, on the other hand, hail from Europe and parts of Asia. While they share a semblance in body shape, they lack the striking coloration of skunks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Skunks are infamous for their unique defense mechanism: a pungent spray that they can shoot at potential threats. This spray contains chemicals that are difficult to wash off and can cause temporary blindness. Polecats do have a strong musky smell, especially when threatened, but they don’t have the ability to spray adversaries like skunks do.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Skunks belong to the Mephitidae family, which sets them apart from other similar-looking animals. The European polecat, a member of the Mustelidae family, is a relative to ferrets and weasels. While both skunks and polecats are carnivorous and nocturnal, they have evolved differently due to their differing habitats.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Skunks, especially the striped skunk, have become a part of popular culture in North America. Their distinct appearance and odoriferous reputation make them easily identifiable. Polecats, while less famous on the global stage, play a vital role in the folklore and ecosystems of Europe and Asia.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Skunks and polecats, despite similarities in size and general shape, are distinct creatures. Their behaviors, habitats, defense mechanisms, and roles in their respective ecosystems demonstrate the divergence of these two mammals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Relation to Culture
Popular in North American culture
Important in European folklore
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
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Skunk and Polecat Definitions
Skunk
A black and white North American mammal known for its foul-smelling spray.
The skunk sprayed its odor when it felt threatened by the dog.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Polecat
A European mammal closely related to weasels with a musky odor.
The polecat was seen foraging in the woods at dusk.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Skunk
A slang term for a contemptible person.
He acted like such a skunk at the party.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Polecat
A person regarded as disagreeable or malicious.
Don't be such a polecat; help out your neighbor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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Polecat
A slang term for something that smells foul.
Take out the trash; it smells like a polecat!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Skunk
Any of several small omnivorous mammals of the Americas belonging to the family Mephitidae, having a bushy tail and black fur with white markings and ejecting a foul-smelling oily liquid from glands near the anus when threatened.Also called polecat.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022
Polecat
An archaic term for a prostitute or disreputable woman.
In the old play, she was cast as the polecat.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Polecat
A colloquial term for a skunk in some parts of the U.S.
I thought I saw a polecat, but it was just a regular skunk.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Polecat
A chiefly nocturnal mustelid mammal (Mustela putorius) of Europe that ejects a malodorous fluid to mark its territory and defend itself from predators. Also called fitch.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022
Polecat
Either of two similar mammals, Mustela eversmanii of the Central Asian steppes, having a light brown coat with a black mask, or Vormela peregusna of Eurasia, having a mottled yellow and brown coat.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022
Skunk
Any of various small mammals, of the family Mephitidae, native to North and Central America, having a glossy black with a white coat and two musk glands at the base of the tail for emitting a noxious smell as a defensive measure.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022
Polecat
A small European carnivore of the Weasel family (Putorius fœtidus). Its scent glands secrete a substance of an exceedingly disagreeable odor. Called also fitchet, foulmart, and European ferret.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022
Polecat
American musteline mammal typically ejecting an intensely malodorous fluid when startled; in some classifications put in a separate subfamily Mephitinae
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022
Polecat
Dark brown mustelid of woodlands of Eurasia that gives off an unpleasant odor when threatened
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022
Skunk
(slang) A walkover victory in sports or board games, as when the opposing side is unable to score.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022
Skunk
(cribbage) A win by 30 or more points. (A double skunk is 60 or more, a triple skunk 90 or more.)
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022
Skunk
Any of the strains of hybrids of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica that may have THC levels exceeding those of typical hashish.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022
Skunk
To defeat so badly as to prevent any opposing points.
I skunked him at cards.
We fished all day but the lake skunked us.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022
Skunk
Any one of several species of American musteline carnivores of the genus Mephitis and allied genera. They have two glands near the anus, secreting an extremely fetid liquid, which the animal ejects at pleasure as a means of defense.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022
Skunk
In games of chance and skill: To defeat (an opponent) (as in cards) so that he fails to gain a point, or (in checkers) to get a king.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022
Skunk
A person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible;
Only a rotter would do that
Kill the rat
Throw the bum out
You cowardly little pukes!
The British call a contemptible person a `git'
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022
Skunk
American musteline mammal typically ejecting an intensely malodorous fluid when startled; in some classifications put in a separate subfamily Mephitinae
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022
Skunk
A strain of cannabis known for its strong smell.
That skunk strain has a potent aroma.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
FAQs
What do polecats eat?
Polecats are carnivores and eat small mammals, birds, and amphibians.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
How can you differentiate a skunk from a polecat by color?
Skunks typically have distinctive black and white patterns, while polecats are brown or dark.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Do polecats spray like skunks?
No, polecats release a musky odor but don't spray like skunks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Are polecats and skunks the same?
No, polecats are European mustelids, while skunks are North American mammals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Do skunks spray when threatened?
Yes, skunks release a pungent spray as a defense mechanism.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can you keep a skunk as a pet?
In some U.S. states, with proper permits, skunks can be kept as pets after their scent glands are removed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Is the polecat related to the ferret?
Yes, the European polecat is a close relative of the domestic ferret.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Why do skunks have stripes?
The black and white stripes serve as a warning to predators about their defensive spray.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Are polecats endangered?
Some species or subspecies of polecat may be threatened, but the European polecat is not currently endangered.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
What does the term "polecat" mean in American slang?
In some parts of the U.S., "polecat" can colloquially refer to a skunk.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
What's the lifespan of a polecat in the wild?
Polecats typically live around 5-7 years in the wild.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Are there different species of skunks?
Yes, there are several species, including the striped, spotted, hooded, and stink badgers.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
What is the habitat of a polecat?
Polecats prefer woodlands, grasslands, and farmlands in Europe and parts of Asia.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
How can one get rid of the smell of skunk spray?
A mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap can help neutralize skunk odor.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Where did the name "polecat" originate?
It comes from the French "poule chat," meaning "chicken cat," due to their habit of hunting chickens.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Are skunks and polecats nocturnal?
Yes, both animals are primarily nocturnal, being most active during the night.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can you remove the scent gland of a skunk?
Yes, it's possible and is often done when skunks are kept as pets.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Do skunks hibernate in winter?
Skunks don't truly hibernate but go into a state of torpor and can be less active.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
