Difference Between Mink and Weasel

The main difference between mink and weasel is that mink is a comparatively large, stoat-like, semi-aquatic animal whereas weasel is a small, stoat-like animal that inhabits wetlands as well as farmlands, grassy fields, and deep forests.

Mink and weasel are small, carnivorous animals that belong to the family Mustelidae. Otters and ferrets are close relatives of them. Mink bites the neck of the prey to kill it but, weasel crushes the skull of the prey.

Key Areas Covered

1. Mink
     – Definition, Characteristics
2. Weasel
     – Definition, Characteristics
3. What are the Similarities Between Mink and Weasel
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Mink and Weasel
     – Comparison of Key Difference

Key Terms: Body Shape, Carnivore, Fur Color, Mink, Size, Weasel

Mink – Definition, Characteristics

Mink is a small semi-aquatic, stoat-like, carnivore native to North America and Eurasia. It has a long slender body, long neck, pointed nose, and short legs with partially-webbed feet. Their tail is bushy. The fur of the mink is thick, silky, and black to dark brown in color. The chin and the throat of the mink is white in color. The belly contains white spots. Generally, the mink is a domesticated animal. The American mink is widely farmed for its fur.  Figure 1 shows an American mink.

Figure 1: American Mink

Weasel – Definition, Characteristics

Weasel is a small, slender carnivorous mammal related to, but smaller than, the stoat. It has a slender body with an elongated snout. The fur color of the weasel is yellowish-brown to brown. The neck and the belly is creamy white in color. Some may change the fur color during the winter to hide in the environment. This is called camouflage. 

Figure 2: Mustela nivalis

Similarities Between Mink and Weasel

• Mink and weasel are carnivorous, mammals that belong to the family Mustelidae.
• Both have a long slender body with silky and waterproof fur.
• Their ears are round.
• Both show an affinity to water.
• The length of the tail is one-third of the body length.
• Both have anal scent glands to mark territory and to spray an enemy.
• Both save food for the late consumption.

Difference Between Mink and Weasel

Definition

Mink: A small semiaquatic, stoat-like, carnivore native to North America and Eurasia

Weasel: A small, slender carnivorous mammal related to, but smaller than, the stoat

Genus

Mink: Neovison and Mustela

Weasel: Mustela

Lives in

Mink: A wide range across the continent, absent in Australia and Antarctica

Weasel: Lives in the Northern portion of the continent from the Upper Midwest north through most of Canada and Alaska

Habitat

Mink: Prefers water more; inhabits woodlands near lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams

Weasel: Comparatively low preference to water; inhabits wetlands, farmlands, deep forests, brushy wide-open spaces, grassy fields

Size

Mink: Large, 28 inches long and weigh 10 oz

Weasel: Small, 22 inches long and weigh 3.5 lbs

Feet

Mink: A partially-webbed feet

Weasel: Does not have a webbed feet

Tail

Mink: Long tail

Weasel: Not always long

Fur Color

Mink: Black to brown

Weasel: Yellowish brown or brown

Behavior

Mink: Bites the neck of the prey

Weasel: Crushes the skull of the prey

Metabolism

Mink: Comparatively low

Weasel: Higher

Type of prey

Mink: Larger prey like rabbits, snakes, and muskrats

Weasel: Smaller prey like chipmunks, voles, mice, and moles

Coat Color in Winter

Mink: Acquire a white winter coat

Weasel: Remains the shades of black to brown

Swimming

Mink: Superior swimmers; dives up to 16 feet

Weasel: Does not like to swim

Conclusion

Mink is a carnivore that prefers water. Weasel is smaller than the mink. Mink and weasel belong to the family Mustelidae. Both have silky fur. Mink bite the neck of the prey while weasel crushes the skull. The main difference between mink and weasel is the size, behavior, and habitat.

Reference:

1. “Mink.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 16 Oct. 2017, Available Here
2. Bradford, Alina. “Facts About Weasels.” LiveScience, Purch, 12 Jan. 2017, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “American Mink, Centre Island, Toronto, ON” By tsaiproject (CC BY 2.0) via flickr
2. “Mustela nivalis -British Wildlife Centre-4” By Keven Law – originally posted to Flickr as On the lookout… (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia