Mustela erminea, commonly known as the ermine or stoat, is a small mammal belonging to the weasel family. It is characterized by its slender body, short legs, and a bushy tail. The fur of the ermine is brown in summer and turns white in winter, except for the black tip of the tail. This seasonal color change helps it blend into its environment, providing camouflage against predators. Ermines are found across North America, Europe, and Asia, typically inhabiting forests, grasslands, and tundra. They primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and insects, using their agility and sharp senses to hunt. Their ability to adapt to various habitats makes them a resilient species in the wild.