What is a polecat?
A polecat is not a cat, or a pole. It is a nocturnal European weasel.
“A popular legend claims Maine Coons came from cats mating with raccoons, which explains the name and bushy tails, but that is biologically impossible. The Maine Coon is 100% cat.”
Reference: Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)
More facts about cats.
More cat facts
What is the official state cat of Maine?
The Maine Coon became Maine's official state cat in 1985, which makes sense for a breed that developed naturally in the state's harsh New England winters.
Is the "alpha wolf" idea true?
The idea of an aggressive "alpha wolf" came from studies of unrelated captive wolves. In the wild, most packs are just families led by the parents, and biologist David Mech, who popularized the term, later worked to correct it.