The steppe polecat does not hold sharply defined home ranges.
During warm seasons, especially in areas rich in ground squirrels, aged polecats hold relatively stable territories until they have extirpated their prey.
Younger polecats are less sedentary, and will sleep overnight in the burrows of ground squirrels they have killed.
Females nursing their litters are the most settled, but will begin roaming once the kits are old enough to accompany them.
Generally, the steppe polecat only occupies one home range for a few days or up to a few months.
In winter, the steppe polecat is more active, and will move 12–18 km a day.
During heavy snowfall, the steppe polecat migrates to more favourable areas, such as along the slopes of steppe ravines, near settlements and winter encampments.

The species does not usually dig its own burrow, instead using those of marmots, ground squirrels, hamsters, moles, voles, jerboas and others, after slightly widening them.
Its burrow is often poorly constructed, as it does not inhabit one long enough to warrant restructuring.
Nesting burrows are not lined, and have many outlets, ranging from three to 20.
Alongside the nest chamber is a food store.
Independently dug burrows are typically shallow and simple in construction.
The steppe polecat does not hold sharply defined home ranges. During warm seasons, especially in areas rich in ground squirrels, aged polecats hold relatively stable territories until they have extirpated their prey. Younger polecats are less sedentary, and will sleep overnight in the burrows of ground squirrels they have killed. Females nursing their litters are the most settled, but will begin roaming once the kits are old enough to accompany them. Generally, the steppe polecat only occupies one home range for a few days or up to a few months. In winter, the steppe polecat is more active, and will move 12–18 km a day. During heavy snowfall, the steppe polecat migrates to more favourable areas, such as along the slopes of steppe ravines, near settlements and winter encampments.
The species does not usually dig its own burrow, instead using those of marmots, ground squirrels, hamsters, moles, voles, jerboas and others, after slightly widening them. Its burrow is often poorly constructed, as it does not inhabit one long enough to warrant restructuring. Nesting burrows are not lined, and have many outlets, ranging from three to 20. Alongside the nest chamber is a food store. Independently dug burrows are typically shallow and simple in construction.
Steppe polecat