Ermine

The ermine is a type of small, agile mammal belonging to the weasel family, known scientifically as Mustela frenata. It has a slender body, short legs, and a bushy tail, with fur that is typically brown in the summer and turns bright white in winter, symbolizing purity and nobility. Ermines are carnivorous, primarily feeding on small animals like rodents and birds. They are found throughout North America and are valued for their sleek fur, historically used in clothing and decoration. Despite their small size, they play an important role in controlling pest populations in their ecosystems.