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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

Origin

North America
Europe and parts of Asia
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

Family

Mephitidae
Mustelidae
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

Defensive Mechanism

Sprays a pungent odor
Releases a musky smell
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

Coloration

Black and white
Brown or dark in color
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023

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

Skunk

A defect or failure.
The product was a skunk and had to be recalled.
Janet White
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

Skunk

The glossy black and white fur of any of these mammals.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022

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

Skunk

(Slang)A person regarded as obnoxious or despicable.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022

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

Skunk

(Slang)Marijuana.
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

To spray with the foul-smelling liquid of a skunk:The dog got skunked.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022

Polecat

See skunk.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022

Skunk

To defeat overwhelmingly, especially by keeping from scoring.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022

Polecat

A weasel-like animal of the genus Mustela.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022

Skunk

To cause to have no success trying to catch fish. Used in the passive.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022

Polecat

Notably, the European polecat, Mustela putorius.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022

Skunk

To cheat (someone).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022

Polecat

A skunk.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022

Skunk

To fail to pay (an amount due).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022

Polecat

(television) A tubular device used to support lights on a set.
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

Skunk

A despicable person.
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

Skunk

Anything very bad; a stinker.
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

A member of a hybrid skinhead and punk subculture.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022

Skunk

(slang) skunkweed.
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

(cribbage) To win by 30 or more points.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022

Skunk

To go bad, to spoil.
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

A defeat in a game where one side fails to score
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022

Skunk

Street names for marijuana
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

Defeat by a lurch
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 21, 2022

Skunk

To defeat someone thoroughly in a game.
We skunked the other team 10-0.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

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

Where are skunks native to?

Skunks are primarily native to the Americas.
Sawaira Riaz
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

Which family do skunks belong to?

Skunks belong to the Mephitidae family.
Harlon Moss
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 Riaz
Sawaira 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 Saeed
Huma 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.

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