The Fisher is a fantastic, yet often anonymous hunter in the North American boreal forests. Its scientific name, until 2008 was Martes pennanti, as it was considered to be a relative of the martens that are also in the genus Martes. But after reclassification to the genus … [Read more...]
Mustelidae
The Mustelidae (Latin mustela, weasel) are a family of carnivorous mammals, including:
They are characterized by their long and slender body, short legs, and long and slender tail.
Mustelids are a diverse group of carnivorous mammals that make up the largest family in the order Carnivora.
They are found in nine subfamilies and include 66-70 species overall.
Black Footed Ferret
The black footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), also known as the American polecat or prairie dog hunter, is a species of mustelid belonging to the Mustelidae and the genus Mustela. The black-footed ferret is similar in appearance to the European polecat and the Asian steppe … [Read more...]
Ferret
The ferret (Mustela furo) is a domesticated species, found all over the world. They belong to the family Mustelidae, which also includes the stoat, badger and mink. It is thought that they are most likely a domesticated form of the wild European ferret or polecat (Mustela … [Read more...]
American Badger
The American badger (Taxidea taxus) is a badger belonging to the Mustelidae family, a diverse family of carnivorous mammals that also includes weasels, otters, ferrets, and the wolverine. The American badger is similar in appearance to the European badger, although not closely … [Read more...]
Ratel
The Ratel (Mellivora capensis), also known as the 'Honey Badger' is a fierce badger-like mammal found in Africa and also found in India. The Ratels alternative name derives from the fact that it has a fondness for honey. Ratels are very fearless animals and have been entered into … [Read more...]
Wolverine
The Wolverine (Gulo gulo) is the largest and fiercest member of the weasel family. The wolverine animal is native to northern regions of North America, Europe and Asia. This land dwelling mammal is known by many other names including the Skunk Bear, Devil Bear, Carcajou (by the … [Read more...]
Stoat
The Stoat (Mustela erminea) is a small mammal of the family Mustelidae which also includes other weasels, mink, otters, ferret, badgers, polecats, the wolverine, martens, the tayra, the fisher and skunks. The Stoat is also known as the Short-tailed weasel and the Ermine. Stoats … [Read more...]
European Otter
Endangered British Mammals - European OtterThe European Otter (Lutra lutra) is also known as the Eurasian River Otter, Common Otter and Old World Otter. It is a European member of the Mustelidae or weasel family and is typical of freshwater otters. The European otter is the … [Read more...]