Weasel
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  | |
| 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
- Weasel riding on woodpecker.
References
- "The Weasel". The Mammal Society. Archived from the original on 2 February 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
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