Weasel Family
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
The weasel family is large and diverse. Members of this family are found on all continents except Australia, Antarctica and the island of Madagascar. About 70 species have been described for the world. Alberta's representatives include the smallest of all living carnivores, the 70 g (2 1/2 oz.) least weasel, as well as the largest of the weasels, the wolverine, which may weigh 16 kg (35 lb.). Male weasels are usually 1/3 larger than females. The life style of weasels varies considerably, ranging from that of the river-dwelling otter and the prairie-dwelling badger to the tree-dwelling marten.
