Weasel or Ferret?

Both the weasel and the domestic ferret belong to the family of Mustelids.  Other mammals belonging to this family include badgers, martens, otters and wolverines.  Here in Alberta the Ermine or Short Tailed Weasel is the closest cousin in size to the domestic ferret.  In the photo's below you can see the similarities between them.   So how do you tell them apart?

Weasels are much smaller than the average ferret and they all have a yellowish brown fur with a yellowish white stomach during the summer months.  In winter they will turn snow white except for a black tip on their tail.  They range from 10-13 inches (25-33 centimetres) in length and weigh about 7 ounces (200 grams).  They generally move very fast, can be difficult to spot and are quite adept at surviving in the wild.

Ferrets on the otherhand come in a variety of colours and patterns and tend to be much larger.  Being domestic they are less inclined to run from humans and will spend more time playing and checking out the new surroundings.  Ferrets can range anywhere from 13-18 inches (33-46 centimetres) in length and can weigh anywhere from 1-4 pounds (450-1800 grams).  Unlike their wild cousins a ferret cannot survive for any length of time in the wild.  If you find a ferret in your yard please contact the AFS.   

For more information on Mustelids visit Enchanted Learning.

FERRETS

WEASELS