Weasel

Weasels are mammals of the genus Mustela of the Mustelidae family. They are small, active predators, long and slender with short legs.

The English word "weasel" (pronounced /ˈwiːzəl/) was originally applied to one species of the genus, the European form of the Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis). This usage is retained in British English, where the name is also extended to cover several other small species of the genus. However, in technical discourse and in American usage the term "weasel" can refer to any member of the genus, or to the genus as a whole. Of the 16 extant species currently classified in the genus Mustela, ten have "weasel" in their common name. Among those that do not are the stoat or ermine, the polecats or ferrets, and the European Mink (the superfically similar American Mink is now regarded as belonging in another genus, Neovison).

Weasels vary in length from 12 to 45 centimetres (5 to 18 in), and usually have a red or brown upper coat and a white belly; some populations of some species moult to a wholly white coat in winter. They have long slender bodies, which enable them to follow their prey into burrows. Their tails may be from 22 to 33 centimetres (9 to 13 in) long. As is typical of small carnivores, weasels have a reputation for cleverness and guile.

Weasels feed on small mammals, and have from time to time been considered^{[by whom?]} vermin since some species took poultry from farms, or rabbits from commercial warrens. Certain species of weasel and ferrets have been reported^{[by whom?]} to perform the mesmerizing weasel war dance, after fighting other creatures, or acquiring food from competing creatures. In folklore at least, this dance is particularly associated with the stoat^{[citation needed]} .

Collective nouns for a group of weasels include boogle, gang, pack, and confusion.^[1]

Weasels occur all across the world except for Antarctica, Australia, and neighbouring islands.