Home › Mammalia › Mustelidae › Stoat (Mustela erminea)
SPECIES PROFILE
Stoat (Mustela erminea)
Mustela
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Europe, Asia, North America
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Woodland, farmland, moorland
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Mustelidae
GENUS
Mustela
📋 Description
SIZE
20-30 cm body, 200-400 g
COLORATION
Brown with white belly; white in winter (ermine)
ADAPTATIONS
Extremely agile, kills prey larger than itself
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Woodland, farmland, moorland
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Europe, Asia, North America
REPRODUCTION
5-12 kits, 1 litter per year
DIET DETAILS
Rodents, rabbits, birds
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Stoats are famous for their “weasel war dance” to hypnotise prey. They turn white in winter in northern populations.
2
They are fearless hunters and can take down rabbits many times their size.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Scottish Highlands
Lake District UK
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look for dancing stoats or white winter coat in northern areas.
