Stoat vs. Mink — What's the Difference?

Exhibits delayed implantation for flexible breeding.

Has a varied diet including fish, birds, and small mammals.

A small carnivorous mammal known for its agility and seasonal white coat.

Occupies habitats close to water bodies for hunting.

Notable for its dynamic hunting strategy, including a mesmerizing dance.

Adaptable to aquatic environments, proficient in swimming.

Prefers terrestrial habitats but can adapt to various environments.

A semi-aquatic mammal prized for its dense, dark fur.

Predominantly feeds on small mammals and birds.

Does not change fur color seasonally, maintaining a dark coat year-round.

The stoat or short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea), also known as the Eurasian ermine, Beringian ermine, or simply just ermine, is a mustelid native to Eurasia and the northern portions of North America. Because of its wide circumpolar distribution, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.The name ermine is used for species in the genus Mustela, especially the stoat, in its pure white winter coat, or the fur thereof.Introduced in the late 19th century into New Zealand to control rabbits, the stoat has had a devastating effect on native bird populations.

Mink are dark-colored, semiaquatic, carnivorous mammals of the genera Neogale and Mustela and part of the family Mustelidae, which also includes weasels, otters, and ferrets. There are two extant species referred to as "mink": the American mink and the European mink.

See ermine.

Either of two semiaquatic mustelid carnivores, Mustela lutreola of Europe or Neovison vison of North America, having a pointed snout, short legs, and partly webbed toes. The North American species is bred for its commercially valuable fur.

The fur of this animal, especially in its brown summer phase.

The soft thick lustrous fur of a mink.

, the ermine or short-tailed weasel, a mustelid native to Eurasia and North America, distinguished from the least weasel by its larger size and longer tail with a prominent black tip.

A coat, stole, or hat made of this fur.

The ermine in its summer pelage, when it is reddish brown, but with a black tip to the tail. The name is sometimes applied also to other brown weasels.

(plural mink or minks) Any of various semi-aquatic, carnivorous mammals in the Mustelinae subfamily, similar to weasels, with dark fur, native to Europe and America, of which two species in different genera are extant: the American mink (Neovison vison) and the European mink (Mustela lutreola).

The ermine in its brown summer coat with black-tipped tail

(plural mink) The fur or pelt of a mink, used to make apparel.

(plural minks) An article of clothing made of mink.

(plural minks) An individual with poor personal hygiene; a smelly person.

A carnivorous mammal of the genus Mustela (foremrly Putorius), allied to the weasel. The European mink is Mustela lutreola. The common American mink (Mustela vison) varies from yellowish brown to black. Its fur is highly valued. Called also minx, nurik, and vison.

The fur of the mink{1}. Together with sable, it is one of the most expensive furs not taken from endangerd species. When the fur is taken from animals grown on a farm, it called ranch mink.

The expensive fur of a mink

Fur coat made from the soft lustrous fur of minks

Slender-bodied semiaquatic mammal having partially webbed feet; valued for its fur

Stoats are more terrestrial, favoring woodlands and fields, while minks are semi-aquatic, living near water bodies.

Minks have a varied diet that includes fish, birds, and small mammals.

It's a reproductive strategy where the fertilized egg does not immediately implant in the uterus, allowing for flexible timing of birth.

Minks utilize their swimming abilities to hunt and navigate through aquatic environments.

Stoats help control rodent populations, maintaining ecological balance.

Yes, stoats change to a white coat in winter for camouflage in snow.

Stoats use a unique 'dance' to mesmerize and get closer to their prey before striking.

Yes, minks are excellent swimmers and often hunt in the water.

Stoats prefer environments with ample cover and prey, such as fields and woodlands.

Yes, minks can adapt to urban waterways but prefer natural habitats.

No, minks maintain a consistent dark brown fur throughout the year.

Yes, but mink fur is more commonly used in the fashion industry due to its quality and texture.

Stoats have delayed implantation for flexible breeding, while minks follow a more straightforward reproductive cycle.

This varies by region, but habitat loss and fur trade have impacted both species, with certain mink populations being more at risk.

Stoats perform a mesmerizing dance to approach prey, while minks rely on their agility and swimming speed.