ERMINE
			Phylum: Class: Order: Family: Species: Chordata Mammalia Carnivora Mustelidae Mustela erminea

A close relative to the weasel, the stoat has a long and slender body, up to 17 inches in length (43 cm). Its fur is reddish-brown with white undersides, and the tail is lightly tipped in black. In northern regions the fur turns white in the winter, at which time it is known as the ermine and is highly prized by the fur trade.

Mating season occurs in March, June and July. Due to a delay in the gestation process, the young (usually 4 to 5) are not born until the following spring. After they are weaned, the young stoats hunt with their family. Sometimes two or more families will hunt together.

Stoats are found all over Europe, Asia and North America, and are often known as short-tailed weasels. They live in all types of country, hunting wherever there is the promise of getting food. They swim and climb trees very well, and usually hunt at night, preying on rabbits, hares rodents, reptiles, birds, and fish.