weasel
Sign in to saveWeasels are mammals of the genus Mustela of the family Mustelidae. The genus Mustela includes the least weasels, polecats, stoats, ferrets, and European mink. Members of this genus are small, active predators, with long and slender bodies and short legs. The family Mustelidae, or mustelids (which also includes badgers, otters, and wolverines), is often referred to as the "weasel family". In Great Britain, the term "weasel" usually refers to the smallest species, the least weasel (M. nivalis), the smallest carnivoran species.
AI overview
Weasels are small, agile carnivorous mammals with long, slender bodies and short legs that belong to the genus Mustela within the larger weasel family. The group includes several related species such as stoats, ferrets, and polecats, and they are active predators found in various regions around the world.
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Wikidata facts
- Instance of
- taxon
- Parent taxon
- Mustelinae
- Image
- WEASEL.JPG
Show 3 more facts
- P105
- genus
- P910
- Category:Mustela
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Article
11 sectionsContents
- Terminology
- Taxonomy
- Species
- Cultural meanings
- Japanese superstitions
- ''Kamaitachi''
- See also
- Notes
- References
- Further reading
- External links
Weasels are mammals of the genus Mustela of the family Mustelidae. The genus Mustela includes the least weasels, polecats, stoats, ferrets, and European mink. Members of this genus are small, active predators, with long and slender bodies and short legs. The family Mustelidae, or mustelids (which also includes badgers, otters, and wolverines), is often referred to as the "weasel family". In Great Britain, the term "weasel" usually refers to the smallest species, the least weasel (M. nivalis), the smallest carnivoran species.
Least weasels vary in length from , females being smaller than the males, and usually have red or brown upper coats and white bellies; some populations of some species moult to a wholly white coat in winter. They have long, slender bodies, which enable them to follow their prey into burrows. Their tails may be from long.