Smallest carnivore

The least or dwarf weasel (Mustela nivalis), has a head-body length of 110–260 mm (4.3–10.2 in), a tail length of 13–87 mm (0.5–3.4 in), and a weight of 30–200 g (1–7 oz). These weasels are most commonly found in deciduous forests of the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America, and usually feed on rodents, moles and bird's eggs.

This species has a very wide geographic distribution and has measurements which vary more than those of any other mammal. There is also a marked size difference between the sexes and a general decrease in the size of individuals towards the northern part of the range in Eurasia, especially those from Siberia and Scandinavia. The smallest individuals of all are females from North America, particularly in Alaska and southern Canada.