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.
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.