Weasel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Weasel |
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| Least weasel (Mustela nivalis) | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Mustelidae |
| Subfamily: | Mustelinae |
| Genus: | Mustela Linnaeus, 1758 |
| Type species | |
| Mustela erminea Linnaeus, 1758
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| Mustela range | |
Weasels are a group of small, quick animals that belong to the genus Mustela. This group is part of the larger Mustelidae family, which also includes animals like polecats, stoats, ferrets, and minks.
Weasels are known for being very active hunters. They have long, thin bodies and short legs. This special body shape helps them chase their prey, like rabbits, right into their burrows. There are 17 different kinds, or species, of weasels. They live all over the world, except for the cold lands of Antarctica and the continent of Australasia.
Contents
Appearance and Size
Weasels are quite small. Their bodies can be from about 173 to 217 millimeters (6.8 to 8.5 inches) long. Their tails are shorter, usually between 34 and 52 millimeters (1.3 to 2.0 inches) long.
Most weasels have fur that is red or brown on their backs and sides. Their bellies are typically white. This coloring helps them blend into their surroundings.
Weasels in the Animal Kingdom
Even though some people might think weasels look a bit like cats, they are actually more closely related to dogs. This means they share more common ancestors with dogs than with cats. Scientists use a system called biological classification to group animals based on how they are related.
Amazing Weasel Facts
- A famous photo once showed a weasel appearing to ride on the back of a woodpecker. This unusual sight went viral online! You can read more about it here: Weasel riding on woodpecker.
Images for kids
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A drawing of "Ten" from the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Sekien Toriyama
See also
In Spanish: Mustela para niños
