These fearless carnivores (meat-eaters) live in Africa, Europe, Asia, and North and South America. The smallest mustelid is the least weasel, weighing 1.2 to 2.4 ounces (35-70 gms); the biggest mustelid is the South American giant otter, weighing 60-90 pounds.

Anatomy: Mustelids have well-developed anal scent glands wich produce a potent repellent smell. They have 5-toed feet with claws. Most have a long body, small, rounded ears, small eyes, and short legs.

Classification: kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia (mammals), Order Carnivora, Family Mustelidae (weasels, ferrets, minks, skunks, otters, badgers).

BADGER The badger is a nocturnal mammal with a black-and-white striped face.

ERMINE Also known as the stoat or the short-tailed weasel, this tiny, ferocious mammal lives in cold areas.

FERRET Ferrets are a type of weasel.

MINK Minks are small, short-legged members of the weasel family that live in wet environments.

OTTER An otter is a playful marine mammal.

OTTER, RIVER River otters are streamlined, aquatic mammals from North America.

SEA OTTER Sea otters are marine mammals with very dense, waterproof fur.

WEASEL Weasels are small, furry mammals with short legs.

WOLVERINE The Wolverine is a ferocious type of weasel that lives in cold areas.

ZORILLA The Zorilla is a skunk-like mammal that lives in Africa.