top of page

WEASELS

Weasels are mammals in the Mustilidae family. They are part of the genus Mustela, which includes a few other species besides weasels. Canada is home to the various weasel species listed above, so this will help you identify between the two. 

Animals from the Mustilidae family share many similar characteristics:

  • Typically small with short legs, short, round ears, and thick fur.

  • Most are solitary animals, and nocturnal.

  • Active year-round.

  • Usually carnivorous.

  • Most have anal scent glands.

Short Tailed Weasel (AKA Stoat)

  • Small animals, with long bodies.

 

  • Has a carnivorous diet.

 

  • Known to have dark upper bodies (dorsal fur), and white underfur. In winter months, the weasel's fur either turns entirely white, or the brown fur pales. The black tail tip will remain.

 

  • Stoats have shorter tails than the long-tailed weasel, and the tip is coloured permanently black.

 

  • They have elongated necks, which are stretched quite far from the shoulder.

 

  • Eyes are round, black, and protrude slightly from the face.

 

  • Ears are rounded, short, and lay flat against the stoat's head.

 

  • Each foot of a stoat has five toes.

 

  • These weasels have anal scent glands and when threatened, can excrete a strong, musky odor. 

What To Look For:

Weasels

(Including the Long Tailed Weasel: Mustela frenata,

and the Short-Tailed Weasel: Mustela erminea.)

Long-Tailed Weasel

(AKA the Bridled Weasel)

What To Look For:

  • Though extremely similar to the stoat, the long-tailed weasel is much larger in comparison.

 

  • Eyes are black during daylight, but shine a bright, emerald green when caught in a spotlight during the night.

 

  • Tails of these weasels are long, but they do share the same black tip as the stoat.

 

  • Upper fur (dorsal) is a dark brown colour in the summer, and the lower fur is coloured white, with a yellow tinge. 

 

  • During the winter, the weasel's fur will become white, with a yellow tint. The only thing that remains is the black tail tip.

 

  • Unlike the stoat, long-tailed weasels have feet soles that are without fur during the summer.

 

  • These weasels have anal scent glands, but instead of spraying, they rub their bodies over surfaces to spread their scent. 

bottom of page