Weasel

genus of mammals

Weasels are the genus Mustela, part of the Mustelidae family. The genus includes the weasels, polecats, stoats, ferrets and minks.

Weasel
Least weasel (Mustela nivalis)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Subfamily: Mustelinae
Genus: Mustela
Linnaeus, 1758
Type species
Mustela erminea
Species
Mustela range
North American Long-tailed Weasel

Weasels are small, active predators, long and slender with short legs. Their body shape is adapted to going down burrows after prey such as rabbits. There are 17 species, and they live all over the world except for Antarctica and Australasia.

Weasels vary in length from 173 to 217 mm (6.8 to 8.5 in).[1] They have red or brown upper coats, white underneath. Their tails may be from 34 to 52 mm (1.3 to 2.0 in) long.[1]

Biologically, despite looking a bit like cats, they are actually more related to dogs.

Other websites change

References change

  1. 1.0 1.1 "The Weasel". The Mammal Society. Archived from the original on 2 February 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2013.