The specific name peregusna comes from perehuznya (перегузня), which is Ukrainian for "polecat". Marbled polecats are generally found in the drier areas and grasslands of southeastern Europe to western China. Like other members of the Ictonychinae, it can emit a strong-smelling secretion from anal sacs under the tail when threatened. Before today's survey, were you familiar with marbled polecats?

Marbled polecats are most active during the morning and evening. Their eyesight is weak, and they rely on a well-developed sense of smell. Marbled polecats are solitary and always move extensively through their home range. They generally only stay in a shelter once. When they encounter each other, they are usually aggressive. If threatened, these animals can expel a foul-smelling secretion from enlarged anal glands under the tail. For resting and breeding polecats use burrows of large Ground squirrels or similar rodents. They may also dig their own dens or live in underground irrigation tunnels. In the winter, Marbled polecats will line their dens with grass. Have you ever seen a marbled polecat in the wild?

Marbled polecats are carnivores. They eat ground squirrels, Libyan jirds, Armenian hamsters, voles, mole rats, house mice, small hares, birds, lizards, fish, frogs, snails, and insects (beetles and crickets). These animals may also take small domestic poultry such as chickens and pigeons, as well as stealing smoked meat and cheese. Do you think that marbled polecats play an important part in pest control for people in their natural range?

Little is known about the mating system in marbled polecats. They breed from March to early June. The gestation period can be long and variable lasting from 243 to 327 days and kits are usually born from late January to mid-March. Delayed implantation allows Marbled polecats to time the birth of their kits for favorable conditions, such as when prey is abundant. Litter sizes range from 4 to 8 kits. Only females care for the young. Kits open their eyes at around 38-40 days old and are weaned at 50-54 days. They become independent and leave their mother at 61-68 days of age. Young marble polecats reach reproductive maturity when they are 1 year old. Are you interested in learning more about animals like marbled polecats that you are unfamiliar with?