Mammalia
(Class)
Mustelidae
Carnivora
(Order)
Mustelids
Northern River Otter
Lontra canadensis
Northern River Otters have elongated bodies, short legs, and a long tail. Their bodies are dark brown and appear darkest when wet. They have long whiskers and a light-colored muzzle. They are highly aquatic in nature, inhabiting rivers and large streams. They typically establish burrows close to the water’s edge with many tunnel openings.
They prey upon primarily fish, but will also consume various amphibians, clams, snails, crayfish, or small turtles as they are opportunistic.
Short-tailed Weasel
Mustela erminea
The Short-tailed weasel is commonly called a “stoat” or “ermine”. They have a long neck, slender body, and stubby legs. This weasel is not much larger than a chipmunk.
During the summers they exhibit a brown coat, with an off-white-colored belly and a black tip on their tail. In the winter, their coats become entirely white to blend in with the snow with the exception of their black tipped tail which remains.
They reach a maximum total length of 29.5 cm, with 5 to 8 cm accounting for their tails. These tiny veracious carnivores inhabit open forests, and brushy thickets close to the water.
Long-tailed Weasel
Mustela frenata
Similar to the short-tailed weasel but larger, Long-tailed weasels have brown fur on their backs, and off white/yellowish fur on their bellies.
Their tail is tipped in black, and they reach a maximum total length of 45 cm. They are active year-round, and mostly nocturnal. They favor forest patches, creating dens in underground burrows of other small mammals.
Least Weasel
Mustela nivalis
The Least Weasel is the smallest species of weasel in the watershed. They have wide, round ears and flat heads. They have a brown color on their back and a white belly, chin, and neck. They also like their relatives have a black tipped tail. They reach a maximum total length of 20.6 cm, with 3 to 4 cm made up from their tails.
They’re active year-round, and primarily nocturnal.
Mink
Neogale vison
The Mink is easily distinguished from the other weasels by their uniform chocolate-brown color, busy tail, and aquatic tendencies. They reach a maximum total length of 68.4 cm and tail length of 15-23.5 cm. They’re active year-round and primarily nocturnal.
Mink live near water and are usually found near riverbanks, lakes, and marshes. Preying on aquatic life, such as fish, crayfish, small mammals, small birds, and eggs.
Fisher
Pekania pennanti
A large member of the weasel family, Fishers have dark brown fur and bushy tails. They have short legs and white-tipped fur on the neck and throat.
They are carnivorous feeding on a number of small mammals, with a preference for North American Porcupines. They reach a maximum total length of around 1 meter, and a tail length of 32-42.2 cm.