• The European marbled polecat has an unusually mottled and variable coat pattern composed of black, yellow, and white patches and spots. This coloring distinguishes it from other martens and makes it particularly conspicuous.
• The European marbled polecat has highly developed exocrine glands, and when agitated, angry, or frightened, it begins to emit a heavy musky odor.
• It sprays a foul-smelling liquid from its anal glands, like a skunk.
• When threatened the marbled polecat arches its back, rises on its legs and throws its tail over its back, displaying its bright colours as a warning.

The marbled polecat has short, light fur with the first dark spots; the young’s eyes open approximately on the tenth day of life. The adult's body is long, flexible, and strong for hunting and digging, and it possesses sharp, sturdy claws that aid in digging burrows and catching prey. The species’ fur features a marbled pattern of yellow and black spots and stripes, with a dark mask on the face. The adult has a fluffy tail with a black tip, which helps maintain balance, and also has sharp teeth for tearing meat.