Stoat
A species of Weasel, Also known as Ermine, Olympic ermine Scientific name : Mustela erminea Genus : Weasel
Stoat, A species of Weasel
Also known as:
Ermine, Olympic ermine
Scientific name: Mustela erminea
Genus: Weasel
Content
Description General Info
Photo By soumyajit nandy , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The ermine (Mustela erminea), also known as the large weasel or short-tailed weasel, is a species of predator from the marten family (Mustelidae). It is mainly known for its white fur in winter and temporarily played an important role in the fur industry. The ermine is classified within the Mustela genus in the Mustela subgenus and is therefore closely related to the mouse and long-tailed weasels.
General Info
Lifespan
6-8 years
Diet
Stoat primarily feeds on small mammals, especially voles. It also occasionally preys on birds, insects, and amphibians, with its diet varying greatly according to seasonal availability.
Appearance
Stoat is a small, slender-bodied mammal with dense fur which is white in winter and chocolate-brown in summer. Its most striking feature is the black tip on its bushy tail. Adult males are slightly larger and darker than females, while juveniles resemble adults but are smaller in size. Its round-shaped head and sharp, elongate body lend stoat a sleek appearance.
Behavior
Stoat is a solitary and nocturnal species, hunting primarily at night, with a diet of rodents and birds. It eludes predators with quick turns and jumps. The species exhibits a unique winter-time coloration change, going from brown to white for camouflage. It is territorial, marking with pungent secretions. Males display competitive behaviors during mating season.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
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