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Mammalโœ“ Protected species

Weasel / Stone Marten / Polecat

Mustela nivalis

โœ“What to do NOW

  1. 1Wear thick gloves โ€” mustelids bite hard and do not let go
  2. 2Cover with a towel and pick up with resistant gloves
  3. 3Place in a sturdy dark box (mustelids are excellent escapers โ€” seal it well)
  4. 4Keep in a cool, quiet place
  5. 5Contact a CRAS specialised in small mammals

โœ—NEVER do this

  • โœ—Do not pick up without resistant gloves โ€” bites are deep
  • โœ—Do not use soft plastic containers โ€” they will chew through them
  • โœ—Do not approach a weasel with young โ€” she defends the nest aggressively

โš  Important note

Weasel, stone marten and polecat are the most common mustelids in Italy. The stone marten (Martes foina) is frequent in urban and peri-urban environments, often found injured after road accidents. The weasel is the smallest (15-25 cm). Note: the polecat (Mustela putorius) has anal glands that secrete a very foul-smelling liquid when stressed.

โš– Legal protection

Weasel, stoat and polecat are protected by Law 157/1992.

Also known as

common weaselstoatermineEuropean minkpolecatstone marten

Did you find a weasel / stone marten / polecat right now?

๐Ÿ†˜ Find the nearest rescue centre โ†’