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Weasel-like Mammals

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tayra
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sable
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fisher
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grison
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polecat
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stoat
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ermine
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skunk
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spotted skunk
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pine marten
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mongoose
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meerkat
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kinkajou
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wolverine
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weasel
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badger
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otter
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ferret
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marten
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mink
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honey badger
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coati
Tayra
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/tˈeɪɹə/
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noun

a medium-sized mammal found in Central and South America, known for its slender body, dark coat, and omnivorous diet

What is a "tayra"?

The tayra, also known as the "tolomuco" or "Eira barbara," is a mammal that belongs to the weasel family and is native to Central and South America. It has a slender body with a dark, glossy coat that is usually dark brown or black in color, and its long, bushy tail adds to its distinctive appearance. The tayra has sharp claws and teeth, which it uses for hunting and climbing trees. It is an omnivorous species, feeding on a variety of food including fruits, insects, small mammals, birds, and eggs. Tayras are known for their agility and speed, making them excellent climbers and skilled hunters. They are primarily found in forests and tropical regions, and are known for their curious and bold behavior. Tayras are considered important for ecosystem balance as they help control populations of small mammals and insects in their habitat.

tayra
Sable
/seɪbəl/
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a small mammal like a weasel with dark brown fur, found in Eurasia

What is a "sable"?

The sable, also known as the "Martes zibellina," is a species of small mammal belonging to the mustelid family. It is known for its luxurious fur, which is dense and silky, and ranges in color from dark brown to black. Sables have a long, slender body with short legs and a bushy tail. They are well-adapted for life in cold environments, and are native to regions in northern Eurasia, including Russia, Mongolia, and China. Sables are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a diet that includes small mammals, birds, insects, and sometimes fruits and vegetation. They are known for their excellent hunting and climbing abilities, as well as their ability to withstand harsh winter conditions. Sables have been historically hunted for their fur, and are considered a valuable species in the fur trade. Conservation efforts are in place to protect sable populations and ensure their survival in the wild.

sable
Fisher
/fɪʃər/
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a medium-sized, carnivorous mammal native to North America, known for its sleek, dark brown fur, long bushy tail, and skilled climbing abilities

What is a "fisher"?

The fisher, also known as "Martes pennanti," is a medium-sized mammal belonging to the mustelid family. It is native to North America and is known for its sleek, dark brown fur and long, bushy tail. Fishers have a stocky build with short legs and a broad head. They are skilled climbers and are known for their ability to navigate through dense forests. Fishers are primarily carnivorous, with a diet that includes small mammals, birds, insects, and fruits. They are known for their excellent hunting and trapping skills, and are considered to be efficient predators. Fishers have a solitary and elusive nature, and are mainly active during twilight and nighttime hours. They are important members of their ecosystems, playing a role in controlling populations of small mammals. Conservation efforts are in place to protect fisher populations, as they have faced habitat loss and trapping pressures in some areas.

fisher
Grison
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/ɡɹˈɪsən/
noun

a small mammal native to Central and South America, closely related to weasels and known for its long body, short legs, and distinctive black and white facial markings

What is a "grison"?

The grison, also known as the South American weasel or hurón, is a small carnivorous mammal that belongs to the Mustelidae family. It has a slender body, short legs, and a long tail. The grison has a striking appearance, with a dark gray to black coat on its back and a white or cream-colored belly. Its face is characterized by a black mask-like pattern around the eyes, which gives it a unique and intriguing appearance. Grisons are known for their agile and swift movements, as well as their opportunistic feeding habits, which include hunting small mammals, birds, insects, and fruits. They are primarily found in the forests of Central and South America, and are known for their elusive nature and solitary behavior.

Polecat
/poʊlkæt/
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a mammal that is dark brown in color and looks like a weasel, known for releasing an unpleasant odor while threatened

What is a "polecat"?

The polecat, also known as the common ferret or fitch, is a small carnivorous mammal that belongs to the Mustelidae family. It has a long, slender body, short legs, and a bushy tail. The coat of a polecat can vary in color, typically ranging from dark brown to black, with a distinctive white or yellowish mask-like pattern on its face. Polecats are known for their strong scent glands, which they use for marking their territory and defense. They are skilled hunters, feeding on small mammals, birds, insects, and other prey. Polecats are primarily found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and are known for their adaptability to various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and farmlands. They are known for their elusive and solitary nature, and are considered valuable for controlling rodent populations in agricultural areas.

polecat
Stoat
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/stˈoʊt/
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a weasel-like mammal with a short tail and brown or all-white fur that mainly inhabits North Eurasia and North America

What is a "stoat"?

The stoat, also known as the short-tailed weasel or ermine, is a small carnivorous mammal that belongs to the Mustelidae family. It has a long, slender body, short legs, and a long, bushy tail. The stoat has a distinctive coat that changes color seasonally, typically being brown in the summer and white in the winter, with a black tip on its tail. Stoats are known for their agility, speed, and ability to climb trees, making them effective hunters of small mammals, birds, and insects. They are primarily found in northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, and are known for their adaptability to various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and tundras. Stoats are considered skilled predators and are known for their ability to prey on animals larger than themselves.

stoat
Ermine
/ɜrmən/
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a small carnivorous mammal with a slender body, short legs, and a long, bushy tail, known for its distinctive coat that changes from brown in the summer to white in the winter with a black tip on its tail

What is an "ermine"?

The ermine, also known as the stoat or short-tailed weasel, is a small carnivorous mammal of the Mustelidae family. It has a slender body, short legs, and a long, bushy tail. The ermine's coat is distinctive, typically being brown in the summer and changing to white in the winter, with a black tip on its tail. The ermine is known for its agility, speed, and climbing ability, making it an effective hunter of small mammals, birds, and insects. It is primarily found in northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, and is known for its adaptability to various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and tundras. The ermine is known for its territorial behavior and solitary nature, and is often associated with controlling rodent populations in agricultural areas. It is also valued for its fur, which is used in the production of clothing and accessories.

ermine
Skunk
/skʌnk/
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a small mammal belonging to the weasel family with black and white stripes that can produce a strong unpleasant smell when attacked, native to North America

What is a "skunk"?

The skunk is a small mammal known for its distinctive appearance and powerful scent glands. Skunks have a black fur coat with a white stripe that extends from their head down their back, and they are easily recognized by their bushy tails and stocky bodies. They have sharp claws and are known for their ability to dig burrows. Skunks are omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of food including insects, small mammals, fruits, and vegetables. When threatened, skunks can spray a noxious-smelling liquid from their scent glands as a defense mechanism, which serves as a strong warning to potential predators.

skunk
Spotted skunk
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/spˈɑːɾᵻd skˈʌŋk/
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a small mammal with a black fur coat adorned with white spots, known for its defensive spraying behavior when threatened

What is a "spotted skunk"?

The spotted skunk is a small mammal belonging to the skunk family, known for its unique spotted fur pattern and defensive spraying behavior. It has a black fur coat with white spots on its body and tail, and it is smaller than the more commonly recognized striped skunk. Spotted skunks have a slender body with short legs and are agile climbers. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, small mammals, fruits, and vegetables. When threatened, spotted skunks can spray a noxious-smelling liquid from their scent glands, similar to other skunk species, as a means of defense. They are primarily nocturnal animals and are known for their elusive and secretive behavior.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
Pine marten
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/pˈaɪn mˈɑːɹʔn̩/
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a north American mammal which has a dark brown coat and a yellow throat, also known as American marten

What is a "pine marten"?

The pine marten, also known as Martes martes, is a small mammal belonging to the weasel family. It has a slender body with short legs and a bushy tail, typically measuring around 50-60 cm in length, excluding the tail. Its fur is dense and usually dark brown, with a distinct creamy-yellow throat patch. Pine martens are known for their agility and climbing skills, allowing them to navigate through trees and dense vegetation with ease. They have sharp teeth and claws, making them formidable hunters of small mammals, birds, and insects. Pine martens are primarily solitary animals and are most active during twilight and nighttime. They are found in forests and woodlands across Europe and parts of Asia, and are known for their elusive nature and secretive behavior in the wild.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
pine marten
Mongoose
/mɑ:ngus/
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a small furry mammal with sharp claws, long tail and short legs that feed on snakes and small animals, found in Asia and Africa

What is a "mongoose"?

The mongoose is a small to medium-sized carnivorous mammal that belongs to the family Herpestidae. Mongooses are known for their long, slender bodies, short legs, and pointed snouts. They have a coat of fur that is typically brown or gray, and may have distinctive markings or patterns. Mongooses are known for their agility, speed, and keen senses, making them skilled hunters of small mammals, insects, and other prey. Many species of mongooses are known for their ability to take on venomous snakes, thanks to their quick reflexes and specialized techniques. Mongooses are found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and even urban areas. They are typically diurnal (active during the day) and are known for their playful and social behavior, living in family groups called "mongoose troops". Mongooses are native to Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe, and are known for their interesting behaviors and adaptability to different environments.

mongoose
Meerkat
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/mˈɪɹkæt/
noun

a small and social mammal, gray in color, with black markings and a long tail that feeds on insects, inhabiting Southern Africa

What is a "meerkat"?

The meerkat, also known as suricate, is a small carnivorous mammal belonging to the mongoose family, Herpestidae. Meerkats are known for their distinctive appearance, with a slender body, short legs, and a long, thin tail. They have a pointed snout, dark patches around their eyes, and a reddish-brown or tan coat with characteristic stripes on their back. Meerkats are highly social animals, living in large groups called "clans" or "mobs," and are known for their cooperative behavior, including standing on their hind legs and keeping watch for predators while other members of the group forage for food. They have excellent eyesight and are skilled hunters, primarily feeding on insects, small mammals, and other small prey. Meerkats are native to parts of Africa, particularly in the Kalahari Desert, and are known for their unique behaviors, such as grooming, digging burrows, and engaging in sentinel duty to protect their clan from potential dangers.

meerkat
Kinkajou
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/kˈɪŋkɐdʒˌuː/
noun

a tropical mammal that eats fruits and has a long tail and large eyes, originated in Central and South America

What is a "kinkajou"?

The kinkajou, also known as honey bear or sun bear, is a small mammal native to Central and South America. It is a member of the Procyonidae family, which also includes raccoons and coatis. Kinkajous have a slender body with a long prehensile tail that helps them move easily through trees. They have a round head with large, round ears, and large, dark eyes. Kinkajous are known for their soft and dense fur, which is usually golden or brown in color. They have a short muzzle and sharp teeth adapted for feeding on fruits and nectar. Kinkajous are primarily arboreal, spending most of their time in trees, and are excellent climbers. They are nocturnal animals, known for their agility and acrobatic movements. Kinkajous are omnivorous, with a diet that includes fruits, nectar, insects, and small vertebrates. They have a unique feeding behavior called "suspensory foraging," where they hang upside down from tree branches and use their long tongue to extract nectar and fruit pulp.

kinkajou
Wolverine
/wʊlvəri:n/
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a wild mammal of the weasel family with a long tail and brown fur that could be found in cold parts of Europe and North America

What is a "wolverine"?

The wolverine, also known as the "skunk bear" or "glutton," is a large mammal native to the northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Wolverines are known for their stocky build, powerful jaws, and sharp claws. They have a thick and dense fur that is usually dark brown or black in color, which helps them withstand the cold climates of their native habitats. Wolverines have a reputation for their ferocity and fearlessness, often taking on prey much larger than themselves. They are excellent hunters and scavengers, with a diet that includes small mammals, carrion, and even larger animals such as caribou or moose. Wolverines are known for their incredible strength and endurance, as well as their ability to traverse long distances in search of food. They are solitary animals and are well-adapted to living in harsh, remote environments.

wolverine
Weasel
/wi:zəl/
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a small carnivorous mammal with red-brown fur and a long slender body

What is a "weasel"?

The weasel is a small, slender mammal known for its agile and ferocious nature. It belongs to the Mustelidae family, which also includes other animals such as ferrets, badgers, and otters. Weasels have a long, slender body with short legs and a small head. They are typically brown or reddish-brown in color with a white or yellowish belly. Weasels are known for their hunting abilities and are voracious predators, feeding on a wide range of small animals, such as mice, voles, rabbits, and birds. They have sharp teeth and strong jaws, which they use to catch and kill their prey. Weasels are also known for their ability to move quickly and navigate tight spaces, making them effective hunters in their natural habitats. They are solitary animals and are primarily active during the night.

weasel
Badger
/bæʤər/
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a nocturnal animal belonging to the weasel family with short legs and gray fur

What is a "badger"?

The badger is a medium-sized mammal known for its stocky build, distinctive appearance, and burrowing behavior. Badgers belong to the Mustelidae family, which also includes animals such as weasels, otters, and ferrets. Badgers have a compact body with short legs, a broad head, and a thick coat of fur. They are typically gray or black in color with a white stripe running down their face and body. Badgers are well-adapted to digging and have strong forelimbs with long claws that they use to excavate burrows in the ground, where they live and raise their young. They are opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of prey, including small mammals, insects, birds, and fruits. Badgers are known for their powerful digging abilities, which allow them to create extensive burrow systems known as setts. They are primarily nocturnal animals, active during the night, and are found in a wide range of habitats.

badger
Otter
/ɑ:tər/
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a carnivorous mammal of the weasel family that is covered in brown fur, could be either aquatic or semiaquatic

What is an "otter"?

Otters are aquatic mammals known for their playful behavior, sleek bodies, and webbed feet that make them excellent swimmers. Otters belong to the Mustelidae family, which also includes animals such as weasels, badgers, and ferrets. Otters have a streamlined body, with a long, flexible tail and dense fur that helps them stay buoyant in water. They have small, rounded ears and a flattened head, which makes them well-adapted for their semi-aquatic lifestyle. Otters have sharp claws and teeth for catching and consuming their prey, which primarily consists of fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and other small aquatic creatures. Otters are known for their playful behavior, often seen sliding on their bellies, playing with objects, and engaging in social interactions with other otters. They are excellent swimmers, with the ability to close their ears and nostrils to prevent water from entering while they dive and hunt underwater.

otter
Ferret
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a slim furry animal with a long tail that is domesticated and is used for catching rabbits, rats, etc.

What is a "ferret"?

Ferrets are small, domesticated mammals known for their long, slender bodies, playful nature, and keen hunting instincts. They are members of the Mustelidae family, which also includes animals such as weasels, otters, and badgers. Ferrets have a streamlined body, with a long, flexible spine, short legs, and a pointed snout. They have a dense fur coat that comes in a variety of colors, including white, cream, brown, and black. Ferrets have excellent vision, hearing, and sense of smell, which make them skilled hunters. They are carnivorous animals that primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and insects. Ferrets are known for their playful and social behavior, and they are often kept as pets. They are curious animals that enjoy exploring their surroundings, playing with toys, and interacting with their human caregivers. Ferrets are also known for their ability to squeeze through small spaces and climb, making them agile and acrobatic.

ferret
Marten
/mɑ:rtən/
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any carnivorous mammal that has a slender built, bushy tail and large paws from the weasel family, found in Northern hemisphere

What is a "marten"?

Martens are medium-sized mammals that belong to the Mustelidae family, which also includes animals such as weasels, badgers, and otters. They are known for their sleek bodies, sharp claws, and bushy tails. Martens have a dense fur coat that comes in various colors, such as brown, black, or yellowish, depending on the species. They have a pointed snout, short legs, and sharp teeth. Martens are agile and skilled climbers, with sharp senses of sight, smell, and hearing. They are carnivorous animals that primarily feed on small mammals, birds, insects, and fruits. Martens are found in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and mountains, and are distributed across many regions around the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They are known for their elusive and solitary nature, often being active at night and spending much of their time in trees or on the ground in search of food.

marten
Mink
/mɪnk/
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a small semiaquatic wild mammal with a dark coat and long body, native to North America and Eurasia

What is a "mink"?

The mink is a small carnivorous mammal that belongs to the Mustelidae family, which also includes animals such as weasels, otters, and badgers. Minks have slender bodies, short legs, and a long, sleek, and waterproof fur coat that is typically dark brown in color, though some species may have lighter or even white fur. They have a pointed snout, small ears, and sharp teeth. Minks are known for their exceptional swimming and diving abilities, with their partially webbed feet and streamlined bodies allowing them to move efficiently in water. They are skilled hunters, preying on a variety of animals including fish, amphibians, small mammals, and birds. Minks are adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including freshwater and saltwater environments, marshes, and forests, across North America, Europe, and Asia. They are solitary and primarily nocturnal animals, often hunting and foraging during the twilight hours. Minks have been farmed for their valuable fur, which is used in the production of clothing and accessories, and have also been introduced to some regions for fur farming purposes.

mink
Honey badger
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/hˈʌni bˈædʒɚ/
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a tough, fearless, and highly adaptable carnivorous mammal known for its aggressive nature, stocky build, and remarkable intelligence

What is a "honey badger"?

The honey badger, also known as the ratel, is a carnivorous mammal that is known for its ferocity, toughness, and adaptability. Honey badgers have a stocky build with a broad body, short legs, and a distinctive sloping back. They have a thick and loose skin that helps them twist and turn to escape from predators, and their fur is usually gray or brown in color with a coarse texture. Honey badgers are highly skilled hunters and scavengers, known for their ability to take down prey much larger than themselves, including snakes, small mammals, birds, and insects. They are also notorious for their fearless and aggressive nature, often taking on animals that are much larger and stronger than them, such as lions and hyenas. Honey badgers are solitary animals that are primarily active during the night, and they have a wide habitat range that includes savannas, grasslands, forests, and deserts in Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
honey badger
Coati
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/kˈoʊɾi/
noun

an omnivorous animal with a long snout and ringed tail that is mainly found in Central and Southern America

What is a "coati"?

The coati is a mammal native to the Americas, known for its long, slender body, curious and social nature, and distinctive, ringed tail. Coatis are members of the raccoon family and are found in a range of habitats, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. They have a flexible snout, sharp claws, and a prehensile tail, which they use for balance and to help them climb trees in search of food. Coatis are omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of insects, fruits, small animals, and eggs. They are highly adaptable and are known for their playful and inquisitive behavior, making them popular animals in wildlife viewing and conservation efforts.

coati

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