The Weasel Family (Mustelidae family)

Wolverines, badgers, mink, fisher, marten, ferrets and otters are all members of the weasel family. Somewhere along the line the name weasel became synonomous with a shifty, untrustworthy person. To "weasel out of something" is to try to use devious means to avoid a commitment. These seam inappropriate for an animal who is shy of humans, intelligent, independent and curious. Question; are skunks part of the weasel family?? Answer below.

Badger (Taxidea taxus) Pigeon toed and short legged badgers are great diggers which is how they find a lot of their food. Undergournd mammals beware!
Mink (Mustela vision) These habitate wetland areas. Look for a shiny black coat. You are much more likely to see mink around the collar of a person than in the wild.
Marten (Martes Americana) These are the most visible in the Rockies, although you will need to keep a very sharp eye. Distinguished by the orange throat stripe.
Wolverine (Gulo gulo) These have a high arched back and very large territories. Isolated and rare animal. Extremely large territories and they are constantly on the move. More on Wolverines
River Otter (Lontra Canadensis) This is a wetland creature found near marshes, streams and sloughs

If you are fortunate enough to see a member of the weasel family then go buy a lottery ticket. You have been extremely lucky to see an animal who does not want to be within 20 miles of you! Answer; Skunks are part of the skunk family which is a distant relative to the weasel family!

BACK TO HOME PAGE BACK TO SIGHTSEEING TOURS BACK TO WILDLIFE Jasper Park / Banff Park