Why are skunks also known as polecats?

I've never heard skunks called "polecats" so maybe it's a regional thing. Polecat is another name for ferrets, initially the European ferrets but now also the black-footed ferret in the USA. Skunks and ferrets are not closely related. read more

Polecat is another name for ferrets, initially the European ferrets but now also the black-footed ferret in the USA. Skunks and ferrets are not closely related. I think using that name for skunks is just another case of early European immigrants giving familiar names to things that reminded them of home. read more

A polecat is a member of the weasel family which has a scientific name of "Mustelidae." The common or European polecat is similar to skunks in that it has a foul odor. The European polecat is also called a foul marten. Martens are also a member of the Mustelidae family. Skunks, on the other hand, belong to the Mephitidae family. read more

The European Polecat ferret (Mustela putorius), also known as a fitch, is a member of the Mustelidae family, and is related to the stoats, otters, weasels and minks. Polecats are dark brown with a lighter bandit-like mask across the face, pale yellow under body fur, a long tail and short legs. read more