Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

Weasels

Mustela

Weasels are small, slender, active carnivorous mammals in the “weasel family” (Mustelidae). Their tube-like bodies (small flattened heads, long flexible necks, and short limbs) help them squeeze into the nests and burrows of their prey. They hunt mainly small mammals (especially rodents), and are known for tackling prey larger than themselves. In northern regions, some species molt to a white winter coat; “ermine” commonly refers to the stoat in its winter-white phase (the tail tip stays black).

Weasels are small, slender, active carnivorous mammals in the “weasel family” (Mustelidae). Their tube-like bodies (small flattened heads, long flexible necks, and short limbs) help them squeeze into the nests and burrows of their prey. They hunt mainly small mammals (especially rodents), and are known for tackling prey larger than themselves. In northern regions, some species molt to a white winter coat; “ermine” commonly refers to the stoat in its winter-white phase (the tail tip stays black).