Ferret - Mustela putorius subsp. furo

Ferrets are sexually dimorphic predators with males being substantially larger than females. Nose pink, thin white band below face mask and tip of nose. They typically have brown, black, white, or mixed fur - white patches indicate ferret or a hybrid. They have an average length of 20 inches including a 5 inch tail, and weigh about 1.5 to 4 pounds.

Polecat

Generally they have a lighter, less distinct mask on their face compared to a pure polecat.  Sometimes the cheeks are paler or white, the body fur is lighter. The throat and paws can have a pale throat patch or white paws which pure polecats don't have

They are wanderers and move about in search of prey.  They can be found in both urban (gardens and parks) as well as more rural environments.  They will typically be located where their prey is abundant, but may be out competed by larger predators.

Unlikely to be seen during the daytime, they are carnivores and hunt prey such as rabbits around dawn and dusk.

Ferrets are crepuscular, which means they spend 14 to18 hours a day asleep and are most active around the hours of dawn and dusk.

They have a natural lifespan of 7 to 10 years.

Widespread records of feral animals throughout Britain, probably mostly domestic animals that have escaped into the wild. There is an established colony on the Shetland Isles where there is no competition from other predators.

Recorded locally and more frequently on camera traps at night in Leicestershire and Rutland