Weasel

Least weasel

Description

Any of several small fur-bearing carnivores of the family Mustelidae, such as the sable, mink, ermine, otter, marten, fisher, fitch, badger, and kolinsky. Weasels have elongated, slender bodies, short limbs and pointed tip tail. They have short, dense fur that has long been prized for its lustrous feel. The coats of many animals in the weasel family turn white in the winter and brown in the summer. The tail hairs of some weasels, such as sable and kolinsky, are used to make artists' brushes.

Long-tailed weasel

Synonyms and Related Terms

Mustla nivalis

Other Properties

Durable

Authority

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "weasel" Encyclopdia Britannica [Accessed November 8, 2001]. (photo)

• Edward Reich, Carlton J. Siegler, Edward Reich, Carlton J. Siegler, Consumer Goods: How to Know and Use Them, American Book Company, New York City, 1937