Description: Mustelids (Family Mustelidae) is a diverse group of carnivores that includes skunks, martens, badgers, otters, and minks. Some mustelids have a slender body and a flexible backbone. Mustelids have thick fur that consists of a dense under coat and a less dense outer coat. Members of this family have short ears and five toes on each foot.
Some species of musetlid (such as mink, ermine, and sable) are sougth after by humans for their fur.
Habitat: Mustelids occupy a variety of habitats. Various members of this family inhabit terrestrial, arboreal, semiaquatic, or aquatic habitats. The are distributed throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Diet: Diet varies from species to species among mustelids. Some species hunt small mammals such as rabbits. Other species feed on fish, birds, or other small animals.
Members of this family: The Family Mustelidae includes the following subfamilies:
- Subfamily Lutrinae (otters)
- Subfamily Melinae (Old World badgers)
- Subfamily Taxidiinae (badgers)
- Subfamily Mustelinae (martens, weasels, wolverines)
- Subfamily Mephitinae (skunks)
- Subfamily Mellivorinae (honey badger)
