This group is made up of terrestrial predators that are truly carnivorous, eating other mammals, fish and birds. Badgers may also incorporate other food into their diet such as invertebrates and fruit. In Devon we have representatives from two of the Carnivora families – fox from the Canidae (Dog) and the range given below for the Mustelidae. Dentition is the characteristic feature of the Carnivora, with large conical canine teeth and cutting and shearing teeth in both jaws. All have forward facing eyes to help hunting, sensitive ears, whiskers (vibrassae) and noses. Eyesight is more variable depending on the species’ specialist hunting method.

Can occur in almost any habitat where there is cover and food, though it is less common on moorland than stoat. Probably common across Devon, but desperately under-recorded! Widely confused with stoats, these are tiny mustelids (13– 23 cm body length) with a short tail that has no black tip.

Occurs in most habitats with some cover, from shoreline to mountain including open moor and marsh near woods and lowland farmland. Probably common across Devon, but very under-recorded. Occasionally seen, but may be confused with the weasel. 24 – 31 cm long, tails up to 14 cm long with a distinctive black tip.

An introduced species that lives near freshwater and woodlands where there is cover. Mink are widespread across Devon but are probably declining in numbers. Field signs are harder to find than even 10 years ago, but this may be a response to increased competition from otters along rivers. Mink are one of the factors responsible for massive decline of water vole populations throughout the UK.

Occurs in and near fresh water where there is cover and on the coast. The otter is widespread across Devon having recovered successfully during the 1990’s from a population crash. Devon always remained a stronghold for the species and still supports the most important lowland population in England. Otter distribution is well recorded by Operation Otter spotters, and road kills have been monitored for over 20 years, leading to mitigation work at the worst black spots. More detailed information is available at www.english-nature.org.uk.

Most abundant in undulating landscape of woods and pasture. The southwest is area of densest population in the UK - it is undoubtedly common in Devon. RTAs are well recorded; setts are less well recorded.

Very adaptable and found in urban and rural areas. Prefers a patchwork of scrub, woodland and farmland and is also found in upland habitats. Widespread and common across Devon, although probably under-recorded outside urban areas.