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.

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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
European Polecat (Mustela putorius)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the European Polecat compared to similar Mustelid species

The European Polecat, Mustela putorius, is a mustelid species native to western Eurasisa and north Morocco; it is also known as the common ferret, forest polecat, or foumart. Its coat is usually a dark brown color with a pale underbelly and a dark mask across its face. Color mutations like albinos or erythrists may occur. The European polecat has a shorter and more compact body, is less agile, and has a more powerfully built skull than those of minks and other weasels. It is much less territorial than other mustelids, and its diet mainly consists of small rodents, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.

The European Polecat has a body length in the range of 11.4”-20” (29-51 cm) and total weight of 1.5-4.2 lb (.7-1.9 kg). European Polecats have a shoulder height between 4.3”-7.5” (11-19 cm), body width of 2.75”-4.7” (7-12 cm), and tail length of 3.1”-7.5” (8-19 cm). The typical lifespan of the European Polecat is between 5-14 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the European Polecat viewed from the front and side
The European Polecat, Mustela putorius, is a mustelid species native to western Eurasisa and north Morocco; it is also known as the common ferret, forest polecat, or foumart. Its coat is usually a dark brown color with a pale underbelly and a dark mask across its face.

The European Polecat has a body length in the range of 11.4”-20” (29-51 cm) and total weight of 1.5-4.2 lb (.7-1.9 kg). European Polecats have a shoulder height between 4.3”-7.5” (11-19 cm), body width of 2.75”-4.7” (7-12 cm), and tail length of 3.1”-7.5” (8-19 cm). The typical lifespan of the European Polecat is between 5-14 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the European Polecat viewed from the front and side
European Polecat (Mustela putorius)
Height:
4.3”-7.5” | 11-19 cm
Width:
2.75”-4.7” | 7-12 cm
Length:
11.4”-20” | 29-51 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1.5-4.2 lb | .7-1.9 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 3.1”-7.5” | 8-19 cm

Scientific Name
Mustela putorius
Lifespan
5-14 years

Drawings include:

European Polecat side elevation (assorted), front

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Long-Tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata)
Illustrated comparison diagram of the Long-Tailed Weasel compared to similar Mustelid species

The Long-Tailed Weasel, Mustela frenata, is a mustelid species that is distributed from southern Canada throughout all of the United States and Mexico, southward through Central America and into South America. It is also known as the bridled weasel or big stoat, and is distinct from the stoat. Its eyes are black in daylight but glow green when caught in a spotlight at night. As an aggressive hunter, the long-tailed weasel may hunt animals that are larger than itself, and it is an obligate carnivore that prefers its prey to be alive. Its primary diet includes mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, shrews, moles, and rabbits.

The Long-Tailed Weasel has a body length in the range of 11”-16.5” (28-42 cm) and total weight of 3-9.5 oz (85-270 g). Long-Tailed Weasels have a shoulder height between 3.9”-5.9” (10-15 cm), body width of 2.75”-3.9” (7-10 cm), and tail length of 3.1”-5.9” (8-15 cm). The typical lifespan of the Long-Tailed Weasel is between 3-9 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Long-Tailed Weasel in front and side poses
The Long-Tailed Weasel, Mustela frenata, is a mustelid species that is distributed from southern Canada throughout all of the United States and Mexico, southward through Central America and into South America. It is also known as the bridled weasel or big stoat, and is distinct from the stoat.

The Long-Tailed Weasel has a body length in the range of 11”-16.5” (28-42 cm) and total weight of 3-9.5 oz (85-270 g). Long-Tailed Weasels have a shoulder height between 3.9”-5.9” (10-15 cm), body width of 2.75”-3.9” (7-10 cm), and tail length of 3.1”-5.9” (8-15 cm). The typical lifespan of the Long-Tailed Weasel is between 3-9 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Long-Tailed Weasel in front and side poses
Long-Tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata)
Height:
3.9”-5.9” | 10-15 cm
Width:
2.75”-3.9” | 7-10 cm
Length:
11”-16.5” | 28-42 cm
Depth:
Weight:
3-9.5 oz | 85-270 g
Area:

Tail Length: 3.1”-5.9” | 8-15 cm

Scientific Name
Mustela frenata
Lifespan
3-9 years

Drawings include:

Long-Tailed Weasel 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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Stoat (Mustela erminea)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Stoat compared to similar Mustelid species

The Stoat, Mustela ermine, is a mustelid that resides in Eurasia and North America. Ermine is a term used for the species in the genus Mustela, in its pure white winter coat. As of 2005, there are 37 subspecies of recognized stoats; its closest living relatives are the mountain weasel and the least weasel. Nominated as one of the world’s top 100 ”worst invaders”, the stoat had a devastating effect on the native bird species of New Zealand in the late 19th century. It luxury fur was used by Catholic monarchs in the 15th century for a mozetta cape.

The Stoat has a body length in the range of 6.7”-12.6” (17-32 cm) and total weight of .3-1 lb (.14-.45 kg). Stoats have a shoulder height between 2.6”-4.5” (6.5-11.5 cm), body width of 2.2”-3.9” (5.5-10 cm), and tail length of 3.5”-5.5” (9-14 cm). The typical lifespan of the Stoat is between 4-8 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Stoat viewed from the front and side
The Stoat, Mustela ermine, is a mustelid that resides in Eurasia and North America. Ermine is a term used for the species in the genus Mustela, in its pure white winter coat. As of 2005, there are 37 subspecies of recognized stoats; its closest living relatives are the mountain and least weasels.

The Stoat has a body length in the range of 6.7”-12.6” (17-32 cm) and total weight of .3-1 lb (.14-.45 kg). Stoats have a shoulder height between 2.6”-4.5” (6.5-11.5 cm), body width of 2.2”-3.9” (5.5-10 cm), and tail length of 3.5”-5.5” (9-14 cm). The typical lifespan of the Stoat is between 4-8 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Stoat viewed from the front and side
Stoat (Mustela erminea)
Height:
2.6”-4.5” | 6.5-11.5 cm
Width:
2.2”-3.9” | 5.5-10 cm
Length:
6.7”-12.6” | 17-32 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.3-1 lb | .14-.45 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 3.5”-5.5” | 9-14 cm

Scientific Name
Mustela erminea
Lifespan
4-8 years

Drawings include:

Stoat side elevation (assorted), front

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Japanese Badger (Meles anakuma)
Illustrated comparison diagram of the Japanese Badger compared to similar Mustelid species

The Japanese Badger, Meles anakuma, is a carnivorous species of the Mustelidae family. They are unique to Japan and found on woodland and forest habitats of Hunshi, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Shodoshima. The Japanese badger is smaller than their European counterparts; their front feet have powerful digging claws, and the face has characteristic black-white stripes. They are solitary, as they do not form social clans, and they are nocturnal animals that hibernate during the coldest months of the year. Like other badgers, the Japanese badger has an omnivorous diet that includes earthworms, beetles, berries, and persimmons.

The Japanese Badger has a body length in the range of 27.6”-32.7” (70-83 cm) and total weight of 8.4-24.3 lb (3.8-11 kg). Japanese Badgers have a shoulder height between 12.6”-15” (32-38 cm), body width of 8.7”-10.2” (22-26 cm), and tail length of 5.5”-7.9” (14-20 cm). The typical lifespan of the Japanese Badger is between 10-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Japanese Badger in front and side poses
The Japanese Badger, Meles anakuma, is a carnivorous species of the Mustelidae family. They are unique to Japan and found on woodland and forest habitats of Hunshi, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Shodoshima. The Japanese badger is smaller than their European counterparts.

The Japanese Badger has a body length in the range of 27.6”-32.7” (70-83 cm) and total weight of 8.4-24.3 lb (3.8-11 kg). Japanese Badgers have a shoulder height between 12.6”-15” (32-38 cm), body width of 8.7”-10.2” (22-26 cm), and tail length of 5.5”-7.9” (14-20 cm). The typical lifespan of the Japanese Badger is between 10-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Japanese Badger in front and side poses
Japanese Badger (Meles anakuma)
Height:
12.6”-15” | 32-38 cm
Width:
8.7”-10.2” | 22-26 cm
Length:
27.6”-32.7” | 70-83 cm
Depth:
Weight:
8.4-24.3 lb | 3.8-11 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 5.5”-7.9” | 14-20 cm

Scientific Name
Meles anakuma
Lifespan
10-20 years

Drawings include:

Japanese Badger side elevation (assorted), front

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