THORNE MOORS MAMMAL RECORDS HISTORICAL
Ferret M. furo
Interestingly, there are records of what were probably Polecat M putorius x Ferret hybrids from Thorne Moors in the 1950s (Limbert 1979).
 
Otter Lutra lutra 

The Doncaster Gazette of 18th May 1906 reported that an Otter was killed on 13th May at Medge Hall Farm, having been caught in a trap. It weighed 211bs and measured 4ft 6in. “It is thought that the recent fires on the moors have driven the animal out and thus resulted in its capture. We understand others have been seen in the same neighborhood.” This record was not included in Howes (2000). Howes, C.A. (2000) Histoncal Review of the Otter (Lutra lutra L.) in Hatfield Chase. Isle of Axholme and Catchments of the Torne, Tidal Don and Went. The Naturalist 125: 3-16.
 

Limbert, M. (1979) The Mammals and Cold-blooded Vertebrates of Thorne Moors. Part One Mammals. The Sorby Record 17: 44-54.
 

Limbert, M. (1985) Some Additional Notes on the Birds and other Vertebrates of Thorne Moors. The Lapwing 16: 5-16.


 

 
<align="center">THORNE MOORS MAMMAL RECORDS 1976
Stoat Mustela erminea 
Limbert (1979, 1985) reported Stoats in ermine on 24th January 1976. 
 
<align="center">THORNE MOORS MAMMAL RECORDS 1982
Stoat Mustela erminea 
Limbert (1979, 1985) reported Stoats in ermine on three dates in January 1982. 
 

THORNE MOORS MAMMAL RECORDS 1987

Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis

There are periodic records of Grey Squirrel, with two in the 1980s to add to the earlier data published by Limbert (1979, 1985). One was in a small copse of Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus between Woodpecker Wood and Elmhirst on 23rd February 1987(M. Limbert). 
 

THORNE MOORS MAMMAL RECORDS 1988
Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis
Another was in Woodpecker Wood on 7th December 1988 (M. Limbert).
 

THORNE MOORS MAMMAL RECORDS 1989
Harvest Mouse Micromys minutus 
A nest of young was reportedly found destroyed after a fire in 1989, probably on Inkle Moor. The observer is not recorded. 
 
Ferret M. furo 
There have been occasional reports of "Ferrets" on the edges of Thorne Moors for example from the Pony Bridge and Thorne Colliery, the former record occurring in the early months of 1989. 
 

Badger Meles meles
Three setts were known to be occupied on and around Thorne Moors in 1989.