answersLogoWhite

0

The ferret is in the weasel family. Ferrets are cousins to the weasel, but more closely related to the European polecat ferret. The European polecat is there wild weasel ancestor. But they are all in the same family and are all related in the family Mustelidae (weasels)

Depends what you mean by weasels--ferrets are in the weasel genus Mustela. So they are sometimes referred to as weasels, but not always and both are correct.

Ferrets are in the Weasel family. Weasels are mammals in the genus Mustela of the Mustelidae family. In technical discourse, however, as 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 two species of mink, and the polecats or ferrets.

Ermine is the name given to various species of weasel during the winter season when the fur of those living in colder climates turns white. Ermine belong to the family Mustelidae, the most common of which in North America are the stoat, the long-tailed weasel and the least weasel. The ermine is another name for the short tailed weasel and the stoat just another name for the long tailed weasel. Both long and short tail species are called ermine in winter when the coat turns white.

Originally, the name "weasel" was applied to one species of the genus, the European form of the Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis). Early literary references to weasels, for example their common appearances in fables, refer to this species rather than to the genus as a whole, reflecting what is still the common usage in the United Kingdom.

The other members of the family are the fisher, marten, and wolverine, otters. Badgers are also in this family.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Are ferrets or weasels found in Michigan?

Sure, Mink, Martens, wolverines. and otters


What kind of weasels are there?

least weasels, short-haired weasels, & ferrets


What do weasels and ferrets do not have in common as characteristics?

Ferrets are domesticated, weasels are wild animals. A ferret is in the weasel family


Who are the weasels cousins?

ferrets or skunks


What is the ferrets wild cousine?

Black Footed ferrets, weasels, and polecats.


How are ferrets like weasels?

The ferret is in the "weasel family", along with minks, ermines and weasels


Are there ferrets minks and weasels in Western North Carolina?

Three found there are the least weasel, long tailed weasel, and the mink.


What common pet is a member of the weasel family?

Weasels are in the family Mustelidaeof the order Carnivora. The weasel family includes ferrets, stoats, European polecats, minks, ermine, black-footed ferrets, long tailed weasels, least weasels. Other relatives of the weasels are martens, otters, badgers, and wolverines. The terms stoat and ermine are terms for the long tailed and short tailed weasels in their winter coats.Genus: Mustela - Ermines, ferrets, minks, stoats, European polecat ferrets


What do Civet look like?

They look a bit like weasels or ferrets.


What are minks related to?

Minks are part of the Mustelidae family, which comprises otters, weasels, badgers, ferrets, the wolverine, European polecat ferret, and a couple of other animals.


What are mustelids?

They are another name for weasels. The members are skunks,wolverines,weasels,ferrets,polecats,baders,minks,ermines,otters,and zorrilias.


Is the Weasel introduced to Australia?

No, because there are no weasels in Australia. There are ferrets, which are entirely introduced.