Previous studies on laboratory rodents, rabbits and humans have demonstrated that fatty acid (FA) mobilization from white adipose tissue (WAT) is selective and its efficiency is related to FA structure. The present studies explored whether similar selectivity of FA mobilization was manifested in carnivores experiencing seasonal food scarcity and abundance. Fractional mobilization from and incorporation into WAT of a wide spectrum of FA were studied by gas–liquid chromatography from the subcutaneous WAT of several captive species of the order Carnivora (American mink Neovison vison, European polecat Mustela putorius, American marten Martes americana, sable Martes zibellina) and free-ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides). Due to food deprivation, n-3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) decreased in proportion compared to n-6 PUFA. Mobilization correlated inversely with the FA chain length but increased with unsaturation and when the first double bond was located closer to the methyl end. 18–20C n-3 PUFA and 14–17C monounsaturated FA (MUFA) were preferentially mobilized while 19–24C saturated FA and MUFA were preserved. In raccoon dogs, the wintertime FA mobilization was selective and mostly confirmed the patterns of FA release in captivity during wintering. The summertime FA incorporation correlated inversely with the chain length and increased with unsaturation and in MUFA and PUFA with the double bond(s) closer to the methyl end. FA incorporation reversed the wintertime losses of the preferably mobilized FA. The principles of selective FA mobilization were valid in wild mammals. The loss of n-3 PUFA during food deprivation can be related to development of hepatic lipidosis during fasting as examined in the European polecats. This can have future applications in research concerning non-alcoholic fatty liver disease of humans caused by obesity and rapid weight loss and considered to be the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome.