Weasels belong to the group of mammals called mustelids that also include animals like badgers, ferrets, minks, polecats, wolverines, martens, and otters, collectively referred to as the weasel family. While weasels, including the least weasel, polecats, minks, ferrets and stoats are a part of the Mustela genus, the other members belong to separate genera. For instance, the wolverines form a part of the Gulo genus, while the otters come from the Lutra genus.
| Animalia | |
| Chordata | |
| Mammalia | |
| Carnivora |
| Animalia | |
| Chordata | |
| Mammalia | |
| Carnivora |
These small, predatory creatures found worldwide are active predators, uniquely distinguished by their short legs and long, slender bodies.
While they voraciously feed on rodents, they themselves are regarded as vermin or annoying pests too. since they attack chicken coops and rabbit warrens for food, causing massive damage.
In British English weasel refers to the least weasel of the Mustela genus, also known by other names like the common weasel, and little weasel. However, as per technical discourse, and even American usage, weasel includes all members of the Mustela genus, or rather the genus in totality.
Here the list of weasels have names of mammals that are a part of the Mustela genus including mink, ferret, polecat, and ermine.
Size: Length: 6.75 to 8.5 in (173 to 217 mm)
The smallest species of the weasel is the least weasel, which ranges from 4.5 to 10 inches (11 to 26 cm), while larger species include long-tailed weasels or Egyptian weasels ranging from 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm).
Weight: 3 to 12.3 ounces (85 to 350 g)
Body and Coloration: These animals have long and slender bodies with stubby legs. Sexual dimorphism exists, males being larger than their female counterparts. The tails range from 1.25 – 2 inches in length.
Weasels generally are black, brown, or gray with yellowish or white markings. They all become completely white during winter.
Weasels are found in most of Asia, everywhere in Europe and North America, South America, and small parts of North Africa.
They live in various natural and urban habitats, including arable lands, coniferous, deciduous, and mixed woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands.
Most weasels live for an average of 3-5 years, though some live close to 10 years. The European polecat can live for 14 years.
As carnivores, their diet primarily consists of rodents like mice and voles. Weasels may also eat birds, their eggs, and young rabbits when these are unavailable. They are also known to raid chicken coops for eggs.
Weasels are hunted by birds of prey like owls, eagles, and hawks, foxes, snakes, and domestic pets like cats and dogs.
They are polygynous, with males mating with multiple females.
After a gestation period that can vary from 35 days to 10 months, due to delayed implantation, a single litter of 3-12 kittens is born. Females single-handedly raise the offspring with no input from the father.
Sexual maturity is reached very quickly, with some like the least weasels capable of reproducing at 3 months.
As per the IUCN, most species of the weasel are “LC” or “Least Concern”.
No, weasels aren’t rodents. They are classified as mustelids.
Yes, they are skilled swimmers from a young age.
Not particularly, but may bite if cornered.
Weasels are capable of climbing trees.
While both otters and weasels are mustelids, they are not the same species. Otters have a build suited for more aquatic environments, while weasels are more terrestrial.
They are often referred to as a boogle, confusion, gang, or pack.
Yes, they belong to the same family, though the ferret appear longer, and larger than weasels.
