Science & Nature

Ermine

The ermine is a small carnivorous mammal in the weasel family, Mustelidae, with the scientific name *Mustela erminea*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The ermine is a small carnivorous mammal in the weasel family, Mustelidae, with the scientific name *Mustela erminea*. It is also commonly called the stoat or short-tailed weasel, and it has a broad circumpolar distribution across Eurasia and North America. The species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Taxonomy and naming

The ermine is the species *Mustela erminea* in the family Mustelidae and order Carnivora. The name stoat is also widely used, especially in Europe, while ermine is commonly used in North America for the animal and in historical contexts for its winter white fur.

Distribution and habitat

Ermines have a circumpolar distribution and occur across northern Asia, Europe, and North America. They use a range of habitats, including forest, tundra, plains, and wet or edge habitats where small prey is abundant.

Appearance and behaviour

Ermines are slender, long-bodied mustelids with short legs and a black-tipped tail. Many populations change from brown in summer to white in winter, and they are active hunters adapted to pursuit of small prey.

Diet and ecology

The species feeds mainly on voles and mice, but it also takes other small vertebrates and invertebrates. As both predator and prey, the ermine is part of northern food webs and is often associated with fluctuating small-mammal populations.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists the ermine as Least Concern because of its wide range and generally secure populations. Some local populations may vary, but the species is not considered globally threatened.

Key facts

Ermines are small carnivores in the weasel family Mustelidae.
They are widespread across northern parts of Eurasia and North America.
Their fur is brown in summer and turns white in winter in many populations, while the tail tip remains black.
They prey mainly on small mammals such as voles and mice, but may also eat birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
The species is generally considered secure and is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

🍁

Canadian context

Ermines occur across much of Canada, including northern regions and the boreal zone, making them a familiar native mustelid in Canadian wildlife.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ermine?

An ermine is a small carnivorous mammal in the weasel family, known scientifically as *Mustela erminea*.

Is an ermine the same as a stoat?

Yes. Stoat and ermine are common names for the same species, *Mustela erminea*.

Where do ermines live?

Ermines live across northern Eurasia and North America in habitats such as forests, tundra, plains, and wetlands.

What do ermines eat?

They mainly eat small mammals, especially voles and mice, but also take birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

What colour is an ermine in winter?

Many ermines turn white in winter, though the black tip of the tail usually remains visible.

Are ermines endangered?

No. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

References

University of Minnesota Duluth — https://mnmammals.d.umn.edu/ermine
Supports: Range, habitat, diet, common name, conservation status, and general species description.
Animal Diversity Web — https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mustela_erminea/
Supports: Circumpolar distribution and North American range.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game — https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=ermine.main
Supports: Identification, seasonal coat colour, diet, habitat, and conservation status.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/ermine-mammal
Supports: Species identification, family, and general classification.