Weasel / Stone Marten / Polecat

Mustela nivalis

✓What to do NOW

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

✗NEVER do this

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

⚠ 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.

⚖ Legal protection

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

Also known as

common weaselstoatermineEuropean minkpolecatstone marten

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