What is the Difference Between Mink and Weasel?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Mink and weasels are both carnivorous mammals belonging to the mustelid family, but they have several differences in appearance, size, coloration, and habitat. Here are the key differences between mink and weasels:
- Size: Mink are slightly larger than weasels, with a body length of 12 to 16 inches, not including the tail, and can weigh up to 4 pounds as adults. Weasels have a body length of about 9-12 inches, not including the tail.
- Appearance: Mink have a long sleek body, thick tail, small ears, and small eyes. Weasels are also long and slender, with short legs and long snouts, but their feet are not webbed. Some weasels have long tails, while others have short tails.
- Coloration: Mink have a more uniform dark brown coloring. Weasels can be found in shades of brown, black, and even orange or yellow tones. In the winter, weasels molt or shed their coats, resulting in a pure white coat that they use as camouflage, while minks maintain the same coat all year round.
- Tail Length: Mink tails are generally longer than weasel tails.
- Feet: Weasels have feet with claws, while minks have webbed feet. This is due to their preferred habitats and behavior, as minks spend a good majority of their time in the water, while weasels prefer to live on land.
- Habitat: Minks are more aquatic and are commonly found near water, while weasels prefer to live on land and are typically found in a wide variety of habitats like forests and prairies.
Comparative Table: Mink vs Weasel
Here is a table comparing the differences between minks and weasels:
| Feature | Mink | Weasel |
|---|---|---|
| Genus | Mustelidae or Neovison | Mustelidae |
| Size | Average 20-30 inches in length | Varies from 8 to 22 inches depending on species |
| Appearance | Long tail, webbed feet, found in various colors from black to tan | Shorter tail, clawed feet, found in shades of brown and black |
| Fur Color | Dark brown to almost black, white around throat and chin | Brown to yellowish-brown, may change to white in winter |
| Feet | Webbed feet | Clawed feet |
| Preferred Habitat | Semi-aquatic, found around water sources like rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds | Land-dwelling, found in various habitats |
| Diet | Fish, birds, eggs, and small mammals | Similar diet, but may also include larger prey like rabbits, squirrels, rats, woodchucks, and piglets |
| Hunting Style | Bites the neck of prey | Crushes the skull of prey with teeth |
Minks are larger, semi-aquatic mammals with webbed feet and a preference for living near water sources. Weasels, on the other hand, are smaller land-dwelling animals with clawed feet and a wider variety of fur colors. They also have a more diverse diet, including larger prey than minks typically consume.
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