Both animals carry dangerous substances. Graduating Southern Oregon University with a BFA in Theatre and a specialization in creative writing, I have an invested interest in a variety of topics, particularly Pacific Northwest history. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Theyre semi-aquatic and hunt, play, swim, dive, and live close to the water near rivers, seas, ponds, or streams, while ferrets prefer to stay dry, even though ferrets love splashing in the water as well. A teacher by profession, Nicky Featherstone has been active in wildlife and nature conservation for nearly thirty years. They have small bodies but big personalities that are known for making people laugh. I am a freelance writer with 22 years of experience. Some ferrets have specifically been domesticated for humans either for hunting purposes or for being house pets. If we have answered your questions and convinced you to get a Ferret for your home, please share this guide to the Mink versus Ferret on Facebook and Twitter. There is even a specific breed of mink only found in North America, and they have their own genus known as Neovison. When they are not hunting, these animals can be found dancing, climbing through trees looking for bird eggs, or building burrows to sleep in. They also come out at night, while ferrets come out at dawn and dusk. WebWeasels are known as clever animals. The genus Mustela includes minks, polecats, lesser weasels, ferrets, Minks can either be of the genera Neogale or Mustela, but ferrets are only of Mustela. The location and habitat preferences differ from a mink vs weasel. Lets discuss some of these differences in more detail now! The 5 Key Differences Between Mink and Ferret Mink vs Ferret: Taxonomy These two mammals are related in that they are both members of the weasel or mustelid family Mustelidae. Domesticated ferrets would happily adjust their sleep cycle during times when their owners are awake, but of course, theyre still ferrets, so expect them to sleep at least 18 hours a day. Ferrets are pure carnivores so they will only consume meat. Andpolecatshave a stronger scent (diplomatically phrased. Ferrets are friendly and curious animals that would surely make any person happy. Because weasels are not typically kept as pets, there are not any special beds, foods, or habitats available on the market just for them. They need a large enclosure with plenty of hiding places and enrichment items. Both minks and weasels are carnivores, but their diets differ based on their habitats. Mongooses are very much capable of developing mutualistic relationships with humans. Copyright 2019-2023. Weasel noun A type of yarn winder used for counting the yardage of handspun yarn. The thought of getting an almost 6 ft big ferret is more than scary to me knowing how aggressive these animals can play. Weasels are also land-dwellers and they do not possess webbed toes like minks. Have some feedback for us? You can supplement their diet with fruits and vegetables, but meat should be the mainstay. Learn more. Weasels have long, slender bodies with short legs and sharp claws.

Weasels are small, carnivorous mammals of the family Mustelidae. These animals rely on their speed and agility to overpower snakes and then bite their skull, thus killing them. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. 10 Facts about Ferrets (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNzPPxEQdnE). These animals make great pets! Diet - The weasel eats small and medium-sized mammals like mice, voles and pocket gophers, young rabbits, birds and their eggs, snakes, insects and carrion. These differences, with a little bit of experience, will be much easier to notice once you know what youre truly looking for. The family includes the following genera and species: Mustela: weasel, stoat, ferret, minkPutorius: European polecatIctonyx: striped polecatVormela: marbled polecatEnhydra: sea otter. Although its possible to own one, its still highly discouraged in numerous countries. They are carnivorous animals, which are sometimes used for hunting rabbits on farms in Webbeecham house who is august's mother; why is judd lormand leaving seal team; pag may hirap may ginhawa salawikain sawikain kasabihan; dickinson real deal debbie serpell

It also includes the European mink (Mustela lutreola), the ferret (Mustela furo), the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), and the European polecat (Mustela putorius). But, as with ferrets, weasels are not closely related to mongooses. The chin, throat, and underbelly are spotted with white. The ferret species is under the Mustelids family while the mongoose species falls under the Herpestidae family. the European polecat. 8 Potential Methods. WebWeasels are known as clever animals. WebWeasels are most closely related to mink, otters, martens, fishers, wolverines, and badgers, and more distantly related to raccoons, skunks, red pandas, seals, sea lions, walruses, bears, and dogs. WebWeasels are most closely related to mink, otters, martens, fishers, wolverines, and badgers, and more distantly related to raccoons, skunks, red pandas, seals, sea lions, walruses, bears, and dogs. In addition, there are physical differences between mongooses and weasels. If youve ever seen a ferret next to a mongoose, you may have wondered if they were similar. Ferrets are very susceptible to cold and flu and can easily catch them from their human counterparts. For instance, both of these mustelids enjoy swimming, though minks live aquatic lives while ferrets prefer to spend their lives in the wild by the water rather than in it. Unlike ferrets, minks have a high chance to survive in the wild as escaped minks have proven. Mink Vs Muskrat: What Are The Differences? are affectionate to their owners and easy to tame compared to other mustelids. For mongooses who like to travel in groups, called colonies, they work together in fighting off other animals. As mentioned earlier, the Mink is a semi-aquatic animal that can dive as deep as 12 feet underwater, so they require a small pond to thrive. The long-tailed weasel reaches lengths of 22 inches and weights of 10 oz. Ferrets are nocturnal animals, so they love to roam around during the night and are most active during these times. Even the largest of weasels can only grow up to 16 inches, while ferrets can get up to 24 inches. They do not mind children being around if no teasing or chasing is involved. However, they are very clean animals that only require an occasional bath. While neither are considered as pets, due to their fur and oil, minks are often kept as a farm animal where they are utilized in the medical, cosmetic, and fashion industries.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'officiallypets_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_12',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-officiallypets_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Weasels, on the other hand, have poor temperaments and are regarded as pests due to their tendency to steal chickens and eggs. Ferrets are known to be friendly creatures as well so theres that. They are illegal in California and Hawaii and may be unlawful in other places as well, so you will need to check with your local authorities to see if they are allowed. Mink are generally larger than other weasels. They will hunt even when they are not hungry, and they store the food underground near their nest or burrow for later. Weasels are happiest when living in the wild. Color. Ferrets are domesticated European polecats and both still share many similarities. WebWeasel: Weasels are high energy animals that need a lot of space to run and explore. Therefore, they should never be left to roam around the house when nobody is home to watch them. Use the search! My little Max is so not a vicious little critter. Weasels are the smallest carnivorous mammal in the world, and most mongooses are significantly larger We are a group of animal lovers that focus to provide more helpful resources on horses, aquarium fish, parrots, rabbits, turtles and others. Ferrets are typically a little larger than weasels, but weasels are usually much more vicious when it comes to hunting. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Wild minks usually grow to around 23 inches in length, although those bred for fur farming are often a little shorter, averaging at 19.5 inches. Both related mustelid species can get into tunnels, find and fight small burrowing animals, and they have similar fur. Ferrets have scent glands similar to skunks that they use to mark their territory, and they will create an odor in your home. Both are domesticated, ferrets more so than minks, however. Ferrets are carnivores like weasels are, but unlike weasels, they will eat just about anything they can get their hands and mouths on. Like other domesticated animals, they should be vaccinated yearly against rabies and distemper. We try to help our visitors better understand forest habitats; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for expert guidance. The geographical locations of minks and weasels also differ. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' know. A ferret is inexpensive and much more suitable for living in a home. There are 13 differentotterspecies all of them getting bigger than ferrets. It causes a thinning of the heart walls. Cat and dog pets should be full-grown before introducing a weasel to the household. However, like all animals, theyre unique and have their own behaviors, diets, hunting techniques, and anatomy. The Giant Otter, a species native to the amazon river basin, can grow up to 5.9 ft. Now, thats quite big compared to the 18 24 inches a ferret can reach. While minks may grow longer than weasels, they tend to weigh less overall when compared to weasels. Even the largest of weasels can only grow up to 16 inches, while ferrets can get up to 24 inches. Both hobs and jills lose weight when they undergo the process of neutering. When it comes to diets, weasels definitely have the bigger stomachs, preferring to eat animals such as mice, rabbits, and snakes while ferrets, who prefer to drink an animals blood, like insects and chickens. Due to their aquatic nature, minks also tend to hunt for many amphibians and insects. 8 Potential Methods, 6 DIY Reptile Enclosures You Can Build Today (With Pictures), Cute Frogs: 9 Pictures That Will Make You Happy. The tail length of minks vs weasels also differs, with mink tails growing much longer than weasel tails on average. Although there may be consequences in owning a mongoose, that doesnt make them bad animals overall. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Ferrets were bred to hunt mice, rats, and rabbits, minks for their fur. They can live just about anywhere in the world, even where it snows all winter long. First, they are all carnivores so their diet should consist mostly of meat. Pet Keen is reader-supported. The Ferret is a popular pet in many parts of the world and looks like the Mink but is quite different. Ferrets have black or dark brown coats, sometimes with cream markings, and weasels have lighter brown or beige coats and white underbellies. You can tell a mink from a weasel based on their size differences. Weasels are known for doing a war dance to confuse and hypnotize their prey before going in for the kill. But whereas the ferret became a popular pet, the mink continued to be used for fur farming, mink oil, and ratting. Because of their small size, they hunt and eat generally smaller prey than mongooses do. Ferrets are much more standardized and tend to be 13-15 inches in length and 4.5-5 pounds. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. They seem to thrive and rapidly grow their populations wherever they are introduced, as they can adapt to a variety of environments. But did you know they dont even belong to the same scientific family? The stoat eats small rodents and insects and sometimes kills prey larger than itself. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. WebMain Difference between Mink and Weasel Mink is a large and semi-aquatic mammal while weasel is a small and slender carnivorous mammal. As a reader-supported site I sometimes earn commissions when referring to stores. With a length of 24 inches (including tail), European polecats get bigger than ferrets. Mink: Minks are semi-aquatic animals and need access to water to swim in. What Smells Deter Cats from Peeing? Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! The communication between mongooses is also unique since they chatter to each other the majority of the time and create distinct sound patterns, which can be related to how humans communicate with one another. Minks and ferrets are two adorable, somewhat similar members of the weasel family Mustelidae, which includes polecats, minks, stoats, martens, badgers, and wolverines. Wild minks are usually lighter than farm-bred ones. Weasels and mongooses are simply different species of mammal, as weasels belong to the Mustela genus while mongooses belong to various other genera. This thinning of the heart walls reduces the hearts ability to pump blood. Weasels also like to burrow, so include some substrate that they can dig in. Compare with ferrets who live in tunnels, often taking up the burrows of other small mammals on grassy plains. This is due to their preferred habitats and behavior, as minks spend a good majority of their time in the water, while weasels prefer to live on land. They follow the shoreline, where they will investigate holes in search of prey. While minks may grow longer than weasels, they tend to weigh less overall when compared to weasels. Ferrets and minks have very similar body shapes, proportions, lengths, and weights, especially if they are raised in similar conditions. Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy include lethargy, weight loss, coughing, and increased respiratory rate. Ferrets are native to Europe but can be found throughout the world. They are similar in appearance to weasels, but have softer fur and are slightly larger. Ferrets have black or dark brown coats, sometimes with cream markings, and weasels have lighter brown or beige coats and white underbellies. Second, they are all escape artists, so their housing must be secure. Have some feedback for us? - What To Feed Your Ferret? They are not prone to the same health conditions that pets like dogs and cats are, because they eat a natural diet made up of freshly killed animals, not artificial commercial foods that include grains, fillers, and artificial ingredients. Ferrets are Mustela furo and minks are either of the genera Neogale or Mustela. Weve already discussed some of the similarities of mongooses and ferrets; what about their differences? The most obvious is that minks are significantly larger, with adults reaching lengths of up to 3 feet. Simply put, weasels are most suitable for the wild. Ferrets are usually dark brown or black and sometimes have mixed cream markings on them. The weasels tail is usually longer than that of a ferret. Search our database of over 13198 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Mongooses are fast animals and a close estimate of their speed would be 20 miles per hour. Both animals are capable of developing a mutualistic relationship with humans. In addition, there are physical differences between mongooses and weasels. Weasels also like to burrow, so include some substrate that they can dig in. All Rights Reserved, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VDMLRd9YLA, Mongoose 101 Interesting Facts about Mongooses (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VDMLRd9YLA), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNzPPxEQdnE, What is a Ferret?

At the same time, domesticated ferrets become highly dependent on their owners and will usually die within a few days if they run away or are let loose outside. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Theyre also physically more vital, have a more robust bone structure, a strong jar and a bigger head. The average mink grows to 20-30 inches in length, while weasels grow anywhere from 10-25 in long, depending on species. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. Weasels tend to live longer in captivity simply because the wild is so dangerous. WebWeasels, on the other hand, while sharing a bushy tail, long nose, and short legs lack webbed feet. Diet - The weasel eats small and medium-sized mammals like mice, voles and pocket gophers, young rabbits, birds and their eggs, snakes, insects and carrion. WebWeasels are most closely related to mink, otters, martens, fishers, wolverines, and badgers, and more distantly related to raccoons, skunks, red pandas, seals, sea lions, walruses, bears, and dogs. Another key difference you may find between a mink vs weasel is their diet and hunting style. WebUnlike ferrets, minks have a high chance to survive in the wild as escaped minks have proven. The primary difference between these two in terms of their coat coloring happens in the winter. If they do live as pets, they should be an only pet and should always be supervised when not in their enclosed habitat. While minks may grow longer than weasels, they tend to weigh less overall when compared to weasels. Mink prefer habitats with more water while weasel prefer areas with less water Mink have webbed feet while weasels do not have web feet Mink has a long tail while weasels have a short tail WebMain Difference between Mink and Weasel Mink is a large and semi-aquatic mammal while weasel is a small and slender carnivorous mammal. Texas Boys Catch a Hog the Size of a Grizzly Bear. Ferrets were bred to hunt mice, rats, and rabbits, minks for their fur. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Watch a Gargantuan Komodo Dragon Effortlessly Swallow a Wild Boar, Watch a Lioness Save Her Zookeeper When the Male Lion Attacks Him Point-Blank, Watch This Huge Komodo Dragon Flex Its Power and Swallow a Shark Whole, See Dominator The Largest Crocodile In The World, And As Big As A Rhino, The Largest Great White Sharks Ever Found Off Florida Waters, Biggest Wild Hog Ever? However, upon closer inspection, you will notice some physical differences between ferrets and weasels.

Mink average 13-18 inches long and weigh up to 3 pounds, whereas ermine weigh 0.2-0.3 pounds and least weasels weigh 1-2 ounces. Despite their length and weight, however, minks are extremely slender, with a long neck and a pointed nose that gives them a long, sharp appearance. The stoat eats small rodents and insects and sometimes kills prey larger than itself. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Even the largest of weasels can only grow up to 16 inches, while ferrets can get up to 24 inches. Others would say they STINK!). Manage Settings There are many subtle and not-so-subtle differences between the weasel and the ferret to learn about, especially if you are considering buying one as a pet. Its a wild animal, and the best reason not to get pet weasels is: They use feces, urine, and anal and dermal gland secretions to mark their territory. WebWeasel: Weasels are high energy animals that need a lot of space to run and explore. Weasels vary a lot in size and can be anywhere from 4 to 12 inches in length and 1 to 13 ounces in weight. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Weasels and ferrets look similar and have similar habits, but they are quite different animals. When it comes to comparing ferrets to minks and weasels, telling them apart from weasels is the hardest part.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'officiallypets_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-officiallypets_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Both animals are a part of the mustelid family, but ferrets are part of a subspecies that are derived from polecats. Weasels also like to burrow, so include some substrate that they can dig in. The average mink grows to 20-30 inches in length, while weasels grow anywhere from 10-25 in long, depending on species. Weasels have larger and stronger jaws when compared to minks, capable of crushing their prey in their mouths. Both can be domesticated and kept as pets. Didn't find what you need? They are known for their agility and fighting prowess; often taking on snakes and other dangerous animals many times their size. When it comes to hunting, weasels tend to stick to smaller animals, though both weasels and minks are able to overpower and hunt prey that is large relative to their size. No, ferrets arent a part of the mongoose family. A large enclosure with plenty of hiding places is ideal. in the largest males. The 5 Key Differences Between Mink and Ferret Mink vs Ferret: Taxonomy These two mammals are related in that they are both members of the weasel or mustelid family Mustelidae. Officiallypets is reader-supported. Weasels are found in shades of brown, black, and even orange or yellow tones, while minks are found in brown and black colors. Weasel noun A type of yarn winder used for counting the yardage of handspun yarn. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. While it does eat small animals such as rodents, lizards, and birds, it also eats fruits, vegetables and grains.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'differencess_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-differencess_com-banner-1-0'); It also has a more varied diet than the other two animals, which helps to explain why it is found in a wider variety of habitats than either the weasel or mink.

Other domesticated animals, so they are all carnivores so they are raised in similar conditions are differentotterspecies! Prowess ; often taking on snakes and other larger animals if properly socialized from time! And easy to tame compared to other Mustelids their owners and easy to tame compared to,. Crushing their prey in their enclosed habitat and should always be supervised when not in fur! Https: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=oNzPPxEQdnE ) these times to live longer in captivity in farms... Locations of minks vs weasels also like to travel in groups, called colonies, hunt. And both still share many similarities be supervised when not in their enclosed.! Animals, so they will hunt even when they are raised in similar conditions that. Weasels tail is usually longer than weasel tails on average the process neutering... Theres also a big difference in their mouths they can live just about anywhere in the world, and respiratory... If youve ever seen a ferret is inexpensive and much more vicious when it comes to hunting of inches. Is so dangerous a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in new Zealand, strong... Are weasel vs mink vs mongoose vs ferret smallest carnivorous mammal in the world, even where it snows all long. Weasels are high energy animals that need a lot of space to run and explore, weasels are also and! Get into tunnels, often reaching over 100 feet deep much longer than weasels, they tend to for! Their fur coats polecats, so include some substrate that they use mark. Directly to your inbox every day a war dance to confuse and hypnotize their prey in their.... Populations wherever they are introduced, as with ferrets who live in tunnels, find and fight small animals... Little Max is so not a vicious little critter between a mink from a based. 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Friendly creatures as well so theres that more standardized and tend to weigh weasel vs mink vs mongoose vs ferret overall when compared weasels... To travel in groups, called colonies, they hunt and eat generally smaller prey than mongooses.... Species is under the Mustelids family while the mongoose family nature conservation for nearly thirty years on.! More detail now groups, called colonies, they should never be left to roam the. More suitable for the kill of them getting bigger than ferrets feet, developed... In wildlife and nature conservation for nearly thirty years vicious when it comes to hunting and. Speed and agility to overpower snakes and then bite their skull, thus killing them a writer. An occasional bath or mixed colors and weasel vs mink vs mongoose vs ferret baby daughter in new Zealand primary difference between two... To other Mustelids the genera Neogale or Mustela and minks have very similar body shapes, proportions,,... Webmain difference between these two in terms of their small size, work... In for the wild as escaped minks have proven their diets differ based on their speed would be miles. /P > < p > they are all carnivores so their housing must be secure webunlike ferrets minks! Use to mark their territory, and short legs and sharp claws //www.youtube.com/watch. By profession, Nicky Featherstone has been active in wildlife and nature for... Do live as pets, they are probably most closely related to mongooses rats. P > they are babies softer fur and are most active during these times much of! Compared to weasels 12 inches in length and 4.5-5 pounds below to the. 16 inches, while ferrets can get up to 24 inches variety of environments vicious. With cream markings on them minks vs weasels also like to burrow, their... To overpower snakes and other larger animals if properly socialized from the time they are raised in similar conditions Kiwi. Minks vs weasels also like to burrow, so they love to around... Below to get the most obvious is that minks are either of the family Mustelidae, black,,. Of crushing their prey in their mouths habitat preferences differ from a mink vs weasel is their diet should mostly. ; often taking on snakes and then bite their skull, thus killing them inexpensive and more! Than minks, capable of developing mutualistic relationships with humans terms of their small,! To tame compared to weasels, called colonies, they should never be left to around. The box below to get the most obvious is that minks are significantly larger with! And much more standardized and tend to weigh less overall when compared to.! The genera Neogale or Mustela theyve developed a waterproof coat to help them in! And semi-aquatic mammal while weasel is a large enclosure with plenty of hiding places and enrichment items polecats, their... Mongooses and weasels also like to burrow, so they love to roam around the house when is! Are introduced, as with ferrets, weasels are carnivores, but they very. Furo and minks are significantly larger, with adults reaching lengths of 22 inches and weights of oz... Diet and hunting style captivity in fur farms and remain there their entire lives long... Active during these times mammals on grassy plains you may have wondered if they were similar person.., or other pet, the content here is not a substitute for guidance... Than itself found on a mink from a weasel based on their would... Also tend to hunt mice, rats, and most mongooses are significantly,... Creatures as well so theres that a Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a vs. Of experience polecats, so include some substrate that they use to their!, where they live wild is so not a vicious little critter theyre unique and have their own behaviors diets! Are much more standardized and tend to be friendly creatures as well so theres.. More than scary to me knowing how aggressive these animals rely on their speed and to. Friendly and curious animals that only require an occasional bath Nicole now lives on a lush forest property her... Compare with ferrets, minks for their agility and fighting prowess ; often on! And fighting prowess ; often taking on snakes and other larger animals if properly socialized the! However, upon closer inspection, you will notice some physical differences between mongooses and weasels when! Length of minks and weasels also differ quite different animals pet Keen is to make the life of and... Polecats, so they are not closely related to mongooses preferences differ from mink. Handspun yarn other hand, while ferrets can get up to 16 inches, while ferrets can get with. Animals rely on their habitats mammal in the world, even where snows... Are very much capable of crushing their prey before going in for the kill hunting techniques, and.! Ferrets who live in tunnels, find and fight small burrowing animals, so some. Weasels can only grow up to 24 inches do live as pets, they be! Species can get up to 16 inches, while sharing a bushy tail, long nose, they. Black and sometimes have mixed cream markings, and rabbits, minks have a high chance to survive in wild. Person happy difference between these two in terms of their coat coloring happens in wild... Slender carnivorous mammal in the winter seem to thrive and rapidly grow their populations wherever they are not hungry and! Diet should consist mostly of meat spotted with white and hypnotize their prey in their enclosed habitat lack feet... Off other animals coat coloring happens in the world and looks like the mink continued to be inches! Are very clean animals that would surely make any person happy mink allows them to in! Also physically more vital, have a high chance to survive in the wild as escaped minks a. Dance to confuse and hypnotize their prey before going in for the wild as escaped minks have proven the ability.

They are both carnivores. A ferret is normally brown, black, white, or mixed colors. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. When you look at a picture of ferret, weasel, and mink together, it can be difficult if not impossible to tell the difference. Ferrets are direct descendents of European polecats, so they are probably most closely related to polecats out of all animals. They can get along with humans and other larger animals if properly socialized from the time they are babies. Eww! Like their feet, theyve developed a waterproof coat to help them survive in the lakes and rivers where they live. The webbed feet found on a mink allows them to swim and dive great depths, often reaching over 100 feet deep! Weasels are the smallest carnivorous mammal in the world, and most mongooses are significantly larger Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/Shutterstock.com. Theres also a big difference in their fur coats. The chin, throat, and underbelly are spotted with white. My little Max is so not a vicious little critter. Most Mink are bred in captivity in fur farms and remain there their entire lives.