The fierce little Weasel, which is taken as a type of the whole Weasel family is the smallest of all the carnivorous animals. It does not often measure more than six inches in length. It is found all over the temperate part of Europe, although the most of its relatives prefer the cold climate of the far North. Its boldness and courage are wonderful, and it will often seize and kill animals very much larger than itself.
A Weasel has even been seen to attack an Eagle, and after allowing himself to be carried high into the air, he has succeeded after a long, hard fight in biting through the throat of the Eagle. Then both fall to the ground, and the Eagle dies, although the Weasel is not hurt, except the wounds in his skin made by the Eagle’s talons, which soon heal.
Of all the animals belonging to this family, the Weasel is most easily tamed, and it soon shows a great affection for its master.
THE ERMINE.
This little animal is very much like the Weasel in size and form, but it usually prefers a colder climate, and makes its home in the northern regions of Sweden, Norway, Russia, Siberia and Arctic America. These animals do not often measure more than ten inches in length (not including the tail) but their skins are very valuable. They bring a high price, and a very important trade in them is carried on. In summer, the Ermine is of a beautiful brown color above and white below, while the tail is tipped with black. In winter the whole coat becomes a brilliant white, with sometimes a slightly yellow tinge, the tip of the tail remaining black. This is the season in which the fur is most valuable.
THE MARTENS.
MARTEN SEEKING FOOD IN THE TREES.
There are three species of Marten that make their home in Europe and Western Asia—the Pine Marten, the Sable and the Beech or Stone Marten. These all have large, open ears, and long bushy tails, and they live principally upon the trees, where, creeping from branch to branch, they hunt the small Birds and Squirrels. They are usually found in the gloom of dense forests.
The Beech or Stone Marten is found in all parts of Europe, not only in the woods, but often in thick hedges and vineyards wherever there is shelter for it to creep along and hunt its prey. It will often make its home near a farm house and destroy with great fury the small domestic animals.