Mustelids | Mustelidae

Mustelids are a family of carnivorous mammals with long bodies and short legs. Members of the Mustelids family usually live in burrows or crevices and are excellent hunters, especially some weasels which can take down prey larger than themselves. While members of the mustelids family are terrestrial, aquatic, or marine, some have adapted to be skilled at climbing trees. Mustelids can be found on every continent except for Antarctica and Australia and are not found on oceanic islands. Mustelids can be either solitary or live in groups, but all Mustelids have powerful anal scent glands for defense and marking their territory.

What are mustelids?

Mustelids is the mammal family that encompasses 55 species of ferrets, polecats, badgers, martens, otters, wolverines, as well as weasels. Mustelids are carnivores that live in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats around the world, except for Australia, Antarctica, and oceanic islands.

What do mustelids eat?

Most mustelids consume a carnivorous diet, but some species sometimes eat plants as well. Many mustelids feed when the opportunity arises while some prey small mammals. For example, weasels prey rodents, while otters capture fish, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates. Some species of mustelids prey on animals that are larger than them.

Do mustelids make good pets?

Some mustelids can make good pets if they have the right owner. For example, ferrets as a pet are easy to exercise, can be litter trained, easy to feed, sociable, and affectionate. While weasels as pets are not suitable for everyone as they can be a risk to other pets and can bite in self-defense if not treated properly.

Mustelids Guides
Browse through our curated Mustelids Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Mustelids. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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10.2”-12.6” | 26-32 cm
9.1”-11.4” | 23-29 cm
23.6”-30” | 60-76 cm
9-26.5 lb | 4-12 kg
9-25 years
American Badger
32.000
29.000
76.000
12.000
25.00
31000
GUIDE
3D
American Badger
6.7”-9.1” | 17-23 cm
3.5”-4.7” | 9-12 cm
12.6”-17.7” | 32-45 cm
.6-2.9 lb | .28-1.3 kg
11-18 years
American Marten
23.000
12.000
45.000
1.300
18.00
8600
GUIDE
3D
American Marten
5.3”-7.9” | 13.5-20 cm
3.9”-5.9” | 10-15 cm
12.2”-18.1” | 31-46 cm
3.1-5.1 lb | 1.4-2.3 kg
3-11 years
American Mink
20.000
15.000
46.000
2.300
11.00
14000
GUIDE
3D
American Mink
3.9”-5.9” | 10-15 cm
2.6”-3.5” | 6.5-9 cm
13”-18.1” | 33-46 cm
1.3-3.1 lb | .6-1.4 kg
4-9 years
Black-Footed Ferret
15.000
9.000
46.000
1.400
9.00
24000
GUIDE
3D
Black-Footed Ferret
4.7”-5.9” | 12-15 cm
3.3”-4.3” | 8.5-11 cm
13”-16.1” | 33-41 cm
1.5-4.4 lb | .7-2 kg
5-10 years
Domestic Ferret
15.000
11.000
41.000
2.000
10.00
644000
GUIDE
3D
Domestic Ferret
3.9”-5.5” | 10-14 cm
4.3”-5.5” | 11-14 cm
9.4”-12.2” | 24-31 cm
1-4 lb | .4-1.8 kg
2-11 years
Eastern Spotted Skunk
14.000
14.000
31.000
1.800
11.00
3300
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Spotted Skunk
12.6”-17.3” | 32-44 cm
8.7”-12.2” | 22-31 cm
24”-35.4” | 61-90 cm
15.4-35.2 lb | 7-16 kg
5-15 years
European Badger
44.000
31.000
90.000
16.000
15.00
17000
GUIDE
3D
European Badger
5.5”-6.7” | 14-17 cm
3.9”-4.7” | 10-12 cm
14.2”-16.9” | 36-43 cm
1.2-1.8 lb | .55-.8 kg
6-10 years
European Mink
17.000
12.000
43.000
0.800
10.00
2500
GUIDE
3D
European Mink
4.3”-7.5” | 11-19 cm
2.75”-4.7” | 7-12 cm
11.4”-20” | 29-51 cm
1.5-4.2 lb | .7-1.9 kg
5-14 years
European Polecat
19.000
12.000
51.000
1.900
14.00
9100
GUIDE
3D
European Polecat
Fisher
56000
11.8”-17.7” | 30-45 cm
6.3”-9.4” | 16-24 cm
18.5”-29.5” | 47-75 cm
7.7-13.2 lb | 3.5-6 kg
7-10 years
Fisher
45.000
24.000
75.000
6.000
10.00
56000
GUIDE
3D
Fisher
13.8”-19.7” | 35-50 cm
8.7”-11.8” | 22-30 cm
33.9”-47.2” | 86-120 cm
48.5-75 lb | 22-34 kg
8-20 years
Giant Otter
50.000
30.000
120.000
34.000
20.00
38000
GUIDE
3D
Giant Otter
11.4”-15.75” | 29-40 cm
8.7”-11.4” | 22-29 cm
21.7”-30.3” | 55-77 cm
11-35.3 lb | 5-16 kg
7-26 years
Honey Badger
40.000
29.000
77.000
16.000
26.00
382000
GUIDE
3D
Honey Badger
5.5”-6.7” | 14-17 cm
3.9”-4.5” | 10-11.5 cm
11”-13” | 28-33 cm
1-6 lb | .4-2.7 kg
3-9 years
Hooded Skunk
17.000
11.500
33.000
2.700
9.00
2500
GUIDE
3D
Hooded Skunk
12.6”-15” | 32-38 cm
8.7”-10.2” | 22-26 cm
27.6”-32.7” | 70-83 cm
8.4-24.3 lb | 3.8-11 kg
10-20 years
Japanese Badger
38.000
26.000
83.000
11.000
20.00
1800
GUIDE
3D
Japanese Badger
1.8”-2.75” | 4.5-7 cm
1.6”-2.6” | 4-6.5 cm
5.9”-9.5” | 15-24 cm
1.2-2.5 oz | 35-70 g
2-9 years
Least Weasel
7.000
6.500
24.000
0.070
9.00
12000
GUIDE
3D
Least Weasel
3.9”-5.9” | 10-15 cm
2.75”-3.9” | 7-10 cm
11”-16.5” | 28-42 cm
3-9.5 oz | 85-270 g
3-9 years
Long-Tailed Weasel
15.000
10.000
42.000
0.270
9.00
9500
GUIDE
3D
Long-Tailed Weasel
5.1”-6.3” | 13-16 cm
2.75”-3.9” | 7-10 cm
11.4”-13.8” | 29-35 cm
.7-1.5 lb | .3-.7 kg
4-9 years
Marbled Polecat
16.000
10.000
35.000
0.700
9.00
8800
GUIDE
3D
Marbled Polecat
9.1”-14.2” | 23-36 cm
5.9”-9.8” | 15-25 cm
19.7”-31.1” | 50-79 cm
6.6-13.2 lb | 3-6 kg
10-23 years
Marine Otter
36.000
25.000
79.000
6.000
23.00
1900
GUIDE
3D
Marine Otter
10.6”-16.5” | 27-42 cm
6.7”-10.2” | 17-26 cm
25.6”-41.3” | 65-105 cm
11-31 lb | 5-14 kg
8-27 years
North American River Otter
42.000
26.000
105.000
14.000
27.00
8100
GUIDE
3D
North American River Otter
Red Panda
1100000
11”-13.4” | 28-34 cm
5.5”-7.1” | 14-18 cm
20”-25.2” | 51-64 cm
8-17 lb | 3.6-7.7 kg
8-22 years
Red Panda
34.000
18.000
64.000
7.700
22.00
1100000
GUIDE
3D
Red Panda
Sable
45000
6.7”-11” | 17-28 cm
3.9”-6.7” | 10-17 cm
13.8”-22” | 35-56 cm
1.8-4 lb | .8-1.8 kg
8-22 years
Sable
28.000
17.000
56.000
1.800
22.00
45000
GUIDE
3D
Sable
6.7”-7.5” | 17-19 cm
4.7”-5.5” | 12-14 cm
20.5”-22.4” | 52-57 cm
1.5-3.5 lb | .7-1.6 kg
6-11 years
Sea Mink
19.000
14.000
57.000
1.600
11.00
3000
GUIDE
3D
Sea Mink
Sea Otter
117000
12.2”-18.5” | 31-47 cm
10.2”-15.75” | 26-40 cm
29.5”-45.3” | 75-115 cm
31-99 lb | 14-45 kg
10-23 years
Sea Otter
47.000
40.000
115.000
45.000
23.00
117000
GUIDE
3D
Sea Otter
Stoat
204000
2.6”-4.5” | 6.5-11.5 cm
2.2”-3.9” | 5.5-10 cm
6.7”-12.6” | 17-32 cm
.3-1 lb | .14-.45 kg
4-8 years
Stoat
11.500
10.000
32.000
0.450
8.00
204000
GUIDE
3D
Stoat
6.7”-8.7” | 17-22 cm
5.1”-7.1” | 13-18 cm
11”-15” | 28-38 cm
1.3-3.3 lb | .6-1.5 kg
4-14 years
Striped Polecat
22.000
18.000
38.000
1.500
14.00
1800
GUIDE
3D
Striped Polecat
5.5”-8.3” | 14-21 cm
4.7”-5.9” | 12-15 cm
13”-18” | 33-46 cm
4-12 lb | 1.8-5.5 kg
2-14 years
Striped Skunk
21.000
15.000
46.000
5.500
14.00
6300
GUIDE
3D
Striped Skunk
Tayra
21000
10.2”-12.2” | 26-31 cm
5.5”-7.1” | 14-18 cm
22”-27.6” | 56-70 cm
6-15.4 lb | 2.7-7 kg
18-22 years
Tayra
31.000
18.000
70.000
7.000
22.00
21000
GUIDE
3D
Tayra
Wolverine
197000
13.8”-20.5” | 35-52 cm
9.4”-15.4” | 24-39 cm
25.6”-41.3” | 65-105 cm
15.4-61.7 lb | 7-28 kg
7-17 years
Wolverine
52.000
39.000
105.000
28.000
17.00
197000
GUIDE
3D
Wolverine
Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Red Panda compared to similar Mustelid species

The Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens), also known as the Red Bear-Cat is a mammal known for its resemblance to a raccoon and excellent climbing skills. The Red Panda is covered by reddish-brown fur, has a long shaggy tail, and its 2 front legs are shorter than its back legs giving the Red Panda a waddle-like gait. The Red Panda is native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. Typically, the Red Panda eats bamboo and at times birds, flowers, and berries. The Red Panda is considered in danger of extinction due to habitat loss.

The Red Panda has a body length in the range of 20”-25.2” (51-64 cm) and total weight of 8-17 lb (3.6-7.7 kg). Red Pandas have a shoulder height between 11”-13.4” (28-34 cm), body width of 5.5”-7.1” (14-18 cm), and tail length of 11”-19.7” (28-50 cm). The typical lifespan of the Red Panda is between 8-22 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Red Panda viewed from the front and side
The Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens), also known as the Red Bear-Cat is a mammal known for its resemblance to a raccoon and excellent climbing skills. The Red Panda is covered by reddish-brown fur, has a long shaggy tail, and its 2 front legs are shorter than its back legs.

The Red Panda has a body length in the range of 20”-25.2” (51-64 cm) and total weight of 8-17 lb (3.6-7.7 kg). Red Pandas have a shoulder height between 11”-13.4” (28-34 cm), body width of 5.5”-7.1” (14-18 cm), and tail length of 11”-19.7” (28-50 cm). The typical lifespan of the Red Panda is between 8-22 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Red Panda viewed from the front and side
Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)
Height:
11”-13.4” | 28-34 cm
Width:
5.5”-7.1” | 14-18 cm
Length:
20”-25.2” | 51-64 cm
Depth:
Weight:
8-17 lb | 3.6-7.7 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 11”-19.7” | 28-50 cm

Scientific Name
Ailurus fulgens
Lifespan
8-22 years

Drawings include:

Red Panda side elevation (assorted), front

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Hooded Skunk (Mephitis macroura)
Scale illustration of an average Hooded Skunk compared to other species of Mustelids

The Hooded Skunk (Mephitis macroura), is a skunk species, known for its long white tail and ability to spray a strong-smelling liquid whenever it is threatened. The Hooded Skunk’s long body is covered in black fur with a white stripe that extends from its head and it is recognizable by its long and fluffy tail. The Hooded Skunk is native to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Guatemala, and Nicaragua of North America. Its diet is made up of vegetation, insects, small vertebrates, and bird eggs. The Hooded Skunk is not currently in danger of extinction.

The Hooded Skunk has a body length in the range of 11”-13” (28-33 cm) and total weight of 1-6 lb (.4-2.7 kg). Hooded Skunks have a shoulder height between 5.5”-6.7” (14-17 cm), body width of 3.9”-4.5” (10-11.5 cm), and tail length of 10.6”-17.3” (27-44 cm). The typical lifespan of the Hooded Skunk is between 3-9 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Hooded Skunk seen from the side and front
The Hooded Skunk (Mephitis macroura), is a skunk species, known for its long white tail and ability to spray a strong-smelling liquid whenever it is threatened. The Hooded Skunk’s long body is covered in black fur with a white stripe that extends from its head.

The Hooded Skunk has a body length in the range of 11”-13” (28-33 cm) and total weight of 1-6 lb (.4-2.7 kg). Hooded Skunks have a shoulder height between 5.5”-6.7” (14-17 cm), body width of 3.9”-4.5” (10-11.5 cm), and tail length of 10.6”-17.3” (27-44 cm). The typical lifespan of the Hooded Skunk is between 3-9 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Hooded Skunk seen from the side and front
Hooded Skunk (Mephitis macroura)
Height:
5.5”-6.7” | 14-17 cm
Width:
3.9”-4.5” | 10-11.5 cm
Length:
11”-13” | 28-33 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1-6 lb | .4-2.7 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 10.6”-17.3” | 27-44 cm

Scientific Name
Mephitis macroura
Lifespan
3-9 years

Drawings include:

Hooded Skunk side elevation (assorted), front

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American Mink (Neogale vison)
Scale illustration of an average American Mink compared to other species of Mustelids

The American Mink, Neovison vison, is a North American native semiaquatic mustelid species. Through human Intervention, it has expanded to parts of Europe and South America, and as a result, it is classed as a least-concerned species by the IUCN. It is the only extant of the genus Neovison after the extinction of the sea mink. The American mink is carnivorous, as it feeds on rodents, fish, crustaceans, frogs, and birds. The dense, long, and soft fur that coats the American mink’s body, makes the species the animal most frequently farmed for its fur.

The American Mink has a body length in the range of 12.2”-18.1” (31-46 cm) and total weight of 3.1-5.1 lb (1.4-2.3 kg). American Minks have a shoulder height between 5.3”-7.9” (13.5-20 cm), body width of 3.9”-5.9” (10-15 cm), and tail length of 5.1”-9.1” (13-23 cm). The typical lifespan of the American Mink is between 3-11 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the American Mink seen from the side and front
The American Mink, Neovison vison, is a North American native semiaquatic mustelid species. Through human Intervention, it has expanded to parts of Europe and South America, and as a result, it is classed as a least-concerned species by the IUCN.

The American Mink has a body length in the range of 12.2”-18.1” (31-46 cm) and total weight of 3.1-5.1 lb (1.4-2.3 kg). American Minks have a shoulder height between 5.3”-7.9” (13.5-20 cm), body width of 3.9”-5.9” (10-15 cm), and tail length of 5.1”-9.1” (13-23 cm). The typical lifespan of the American Mink is between 3-11 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the American Mink seen from the side and front
American Mink (Neogale vison)
Height:
5.3”-7.9” | 13.5-20 cm
Width:
3.9”-5.9” | 10-15 cm
Length:
12.2”-18.1” | 31-46 cm
Depth:
Weight:
3.1-5.1 lb | 1.4-2.3 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 5.1”-9.1” | 13-23 cm

Scientific Name
Neogale vison
Lifespan
3-11 years

Drawings include:

American Mink side elevation (assorted), front

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Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis)
Scale illustration of an average Least Weasel compared to other species of Mustelids

The Least Weasel, Mustela nivalis, is the smallest member of the genus Mustela, family Mustelidae, and order Carnivora. Also known as little weasel and common weasel, the species is native to Eurasia, North America, and North Africa; it has also been introduced to various other places throughout the Northern Hemisphere. With 18 subspecies recognized, geographic location influences the least weasel’s color, pelage type, length of tail, and size. A large part of its diet includes small rodents, but they also eat rabbits, other mammals, and occasionally birds, birds’ eggs, and frogs.

The Least Weasel has a body length in the range of 5.9”-9.5” (15-24 cm) and total weight of 1.2-2.5 oz (35-70 g). Least Weasels have a shoulder height between 1.8”-2.75” (4.5-7 cm), body width of 1.6”-2.6” (4-6.5 cm), and tail length of .8”-3.5” (2-9 cm). The typical lifespan of the Least Weasel is between 2-9 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Least Weasel seen from the side and front
The Least Weasel, Mustela nivalis, is the smallest member of the genus Mustela, family Mustelidae, and order Carnivora. Also known as little weasel and common weasel, the species is native to Eurasia, North America, and North Africa; it has also been introduced to various other places in the North.

The Least Weasel has a body length in the range of 5.9”-9.5” (15-24 cm) and total weight of 1.2-2.5 oz (35-70 g). Least Weasels have a shoulder height between 1.8”-2.75” (4.5-7 cm), body width of 1.6”-2.6” (4-6.5 cm), and tail length of .8”-3.5” (2-9 cm). The typical lifespan of the Least Weasel is between 2-9 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Least Weasel seen from the side and front
Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis)
Height:
1.8”-2.75” | 4.5-7 cm
Width:
1.6”-2.6” | 4-6.5 cm
Length:
5.9”-9.5” | 15-24 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1.2-2.5 oz | 35-70 g
Area:

Tail Length: .8”-3.5” | 2-9 cm

Scientific Name
Mustela nivalis
Lifespan
2-9 years

Drawings include:

Least Weasel side elevation (assorted), front

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Sea Mink (Neovison macrodon)
Illustrated comparison diagram of the Sea Mink compared to similar Mustelid species

The Sea Mink, Neovison macrodon, is a recently extinct mink species that resided on the eastern coast of North America- along the rocky coasts of New England. It was the most related to the American mink. The sea minks’ appearance and behaviors are not well-documented, and it is only described by fragmentary remains. It was said to have produced a distinctive fishy odor, and had red and coarse fur. It was the largest of the minks and was described to be slightly larger than a fox. With a similar diet to the American mink, the sea mink may have preyed on seabirds, seabird eggs, and hard-bodied marine invertebrates.

The Sea Mink had a body length in the range of 20.5”-22.4” (52-57 cm) and total weight of 1.5-3.5 lb (.7-1.6 kg). Sea Minks had a shoulder height between 6.7”-7.5” (17-19 cm), body width of 4.7”-5.5” (12-14 cm), and tail length of 8.7”-9.8” (22-25 cm). The typical lifespan of the Sea Mink was between 6-11 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Sea Mink in front and side poses
The Sea Mink, Neovison macrodon, is a recently extinct mink species that resided on the eastern coast of North America- along the rocky coasts of New England. It was the most related to the American mink. The sea minks’ appearance and behaviors are not well-documented.

The Sea Mink had a body length in the range of 20.5”-22.4” (52-57 cm) and total weight of 1.5-3.5 lb (.7-1.6 kg). Sea Minks had a shoulder height between 6.7”-7.5” (17-19 cm), body width of 4.7”-5.5” (12-14 cm), and tail length of 8.7”-9.8” (22-25 cm). The typical lifespan of the Sea Mink was between 6-11 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Sea Mink in front and side poses
Sea Mink (Neovison macrodon)
Height:
6.7”-7.5” | 17-19 cm
Width:
4.7”-5.5” | 12-14 cm
Length:
20.5”-22.4” | 52-57 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1.5-3.5 lb | .7-1.6 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 8.7”-9.8” | 22-25 cm

Scientific Name
Neovison macrodon
Lifespan
6-11 years

Drawings include:

Sea Mink side elevation (assorted), front

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