White Stoat

The stoat  also known as the short-tailed weasel, is a species of Muscatel native to Eurasia and North America, distinguished from the least weasel by its larger size and longer tail with a prominent black tip. The name ermine is often but not always, used for the animal in its pure white winter coat, or the fur thereof. Since the late 19th century stoats have been introduced to New Zeal and to control rabbits, but have had a devastating effect on native bird populations It is classed by the as Least Concern, due to its wide circumpolar distribution, and because it does not face any significant threat to its survival. It is nominated among the 100 "world's worst invasive species.The stoat is entirely similar to the least weasel in general proportions, manner of posture, and movement, though the tail is relatively longer, always exceeding a third of the body length though it is shorter than that of the long tailed weasel. The stoat has an elongated neck, the head being set exceptionally far in front of the shoulders. The trunk is nearly cylindrical, and does not bulge at the abdomen. The greatest circumference of body is little more than half its length. The skull, although very similar to that of the least weasel, is relatively longer, with a narrower brain case. The projections of the skull and teeth are weakly developed, but stronger than those of the least weasel. The eyes are round, black and protrude slightly. The whiskers are brown or white in co lour, and very long. The ears are short, rounded and lie almost flattened against the skull. The claws are not retractable, and are large in proportion to the digits. Each foot has five toes. The male stoat has a curved Macumba with a primal knob which increases in weight as it ages. Fat is deposited primarily along the spine and kidneys, then on gut menageries, under the limbs and around the shoulders. The stoat has four pairs of nipples, though they are only visible in females.

Source:
picture:Link:
Wikipedia:Link: