Weasels are mammals in the genus Mustela of the Mustelidae family. Originally, the name "weasel" was applied to one species of the genus, the European form of the Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis). Early literary references to weasels, for example their common appearances in fables, refer to this species rather than to the genus as a whole, reflecting what is still the common usage in Britain. In technical discourse, however, as in American usage, the term "weasel" can refer to any member of the genus, or to the genus as a whole. Of the 16 extant species currently classified in the genus Mustela, 10 have "weasel" in their common name. Among those that do not are the stoat, the two species of mink, and the polecats or ferrets.

Weasels vary in length from 15 to 35 centimeters (6 to 14 inches), and usually have a light brown upper coat, white belly and black fur at the tip of the tail; in many species, populations living at high latitudes moult to a white coat with black fur at the tip of the tail in winter. They have long slender bodies, which enable them to follow their prey into burrows. Their tails are typically almost as long as the rest of their bodies. As is typical of small carnivores, weasels have a reputation for cleverness and guile.

Weasels feed on small mammals, and in former times were considered vermin since some species took poultry from farms, or rabbits from commercial warrens. Certain species of weasel and ferrets, have been reported to perform the mesmerising weasel war dance, after fighting other creatures, or acquiring food from competing creatures. In folklore at least, this dance is particularly associated with the stoat.

Where it lives
The weasel can be found almost anywhere in Canada (the coast, the mountains, the prairies and the far north). The weasel will move into a den of an animal that it has killed.

Babies
In April, two to ten babies are born in a burrow. The nest is lined with fur from animals that the weasel has killed.

The mother watches them closely and takes good care of them. In about five weeks their eyes are open. Young weasels begin to hunt when they are about two months old.


Appearance
The weasel has a tiny face, sharp teeth and claws, and a tail with black fur at the tip. In winter it is white and in summer it is brown.

The short-tailed weasel is a tiny animal, only 15 to 23 cm long.

Food
It hunts for rabbits, rats, birds, frogs, ground squirrels and pika ( a small rodent that lives in the mountains) . It eats hundreds of meadow mice. Weasels that live in the north also feed on Arctic hare and lemming.

The weasel can find the open entrance to an animal's tunnel and hunt the animal underground.

The weasel ususally hunts at night. It kills its prey by biting it at the back of the neck.

Chicken farmers do not like the weasel. It can kill several chickens at a time. But weasels are useful animals because they eat many rats and mice.

Adaptation
The weasel may be small but it is a good fighter and moves in a flash. It is a silent hunter and can approach without a sound, then rush upon its prey.

The weasel's coat changes colour. The brownish summer coat turns white for the winter. Just the tip of the tail stays black.

Some people say that a weasel smells worse than the skunk ( because of its musk glands ).

The slender (thin) body allows it to enter underground burrows.

Enemies
Snakes, hawks and owls kill the weasel. Weasels are trapped for their lovely fur.

Interesting facts
The weasel does not have many friends. Animals much bigger than it do not dare come near. Some say the weasel will kill without reason even though it is not hungry. It is not afraid to fight a bear or a porcupine.

Weasels are as curious as racccons. They look under every bush and sneak into holes.

Ferrets and minks are cousins of the weasel.