M is for ...

I have neglected this thread for awhile and I have decided to get back to it. Today's word is the lack of distinction between certain small carnivores. What is a weasel? It is a long-tailed and long body carnivore. Unfortunately, I would also use the same description for a ferret, a mink and a stoat.

These creatures are part of a family of animals called Mustelidae. This includes martens, badgers, otters and polecats. It also includes the famous Wolverine. These animals are easily identified as they have certain common features. They have short legs, short round ears and thick fur (Most of their members are hunted or farmed for their skin).

On the subject of their fur, I need to explain a few features. Firstly, most of these animals can swim without their skin getting wet. This is extremely important as it means that the animal can hunt or swim even in cold water without freezing or needing a layer of blubber. The fur is made up of 2 distinct layers. The first is the guard coat that is waterproof. The second is the downcoat (underhair) that actually keeps the animal warm. It is shorter thicker and curlier and it helps to keep a layer of air trapped between the skin and the outside environment.