The long-tailed weasel, also known as the bridled weasel, masked ermine, or big stoat, is a species of mustelid distributed from southern Canada through much of the United States and Mexico, southward through all of Central America and into northern South America. It is distinct from the short-tailed weasel, also known as a "stoat", a close relation in the genus Mustela that originated in Eurasia and crossed into North America some half million years ago; the two species are visually similar, especially the black tail tip.
Long-tailed weasel
In winter coat
Black-tipped tail, brown and yellowish fur, and long whiskers distinguish this Long-tailed weasel in Seattle, Washington
Long-tailed weasel with rodent prey in Box Elder County, Utah
The Mustelidae are a diverse family of carnivorous mammals, including weasels, stoats, badgers, otters, martens, grisons, and wolverines. Otherwise known as mustelids, they form the largest family in the suborder Caniformia of the order Carnivora with about 66 to 70 species in nine subfamilies.
Mustelidae
Sthenictis sp. (American Museum of Natural History)
Skeleton of a black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) on display at the Museum of Osteology
Stoat killing a rabbit