Stoat

The stoat or ermine (Mustela erminea) is a small mammal of the family Mustelidae. It is also known as a Shorttail (or Short-tailed) Weasel and less frequently as an ermelin. Sometimes "ermine" refers to the animal only when it has white fur, while "stoat" only refers to when it has brown fur. The stoat or ermine can be found almost everywhere throughout the northern temperate, subarctic and Arctic regions, of Europe, Asia, and North America. In a... more

The stoat or ermine (Mustela erminea) is a small mammal of the family Mustelidae. It is also known as a Shorttail (or Short-tailed) Weasel and less frequently as an ermelin. Sometimes "ermine" refers to the animal only when it has white fur, while "stoat" only refers to when it has brown fur. The stoat or ermine can be found almost everywhere throughout the northern temperate, subarctic and Arctic regions, of Europe, Asia, and North America. In an unsuccessful attempt to control the rabbit population, it was introduced into New Zealand. The animals are largely nocturnal or crepuscular but will sometimes come out during the day. The ermine is a member of the family Mustelidae, one of the most species-rich families in order Carnivora. Mustelidæ also includes other weasels, mink, otters, ferret, badgers, polecats, the wolverine, martens, the tayra, the fisher and in some taxonomical classifications skunks. The ermine moves in a sinuous manner when pursuing its prey. It is extremely quick... less