Mongoose vs. Weasel — What's the Difference?

Predominantly found in Africa and Asia.

Hunts primarily small mammals.

A small carnivorous mammal with a strong immunity to snake venom.

Generally solitary, especially outside of mating season.

Can be solitary or live in groups, depending on the species.

A small, slender carnivore known for its ferocity.

Known for their sociable nature in some species.

Known for their quick movements and agility.

Eats a variety of small animals and insects.

Adapts to a variety of environments from forests to urban areas.

A mongoose is a small terrestrial carnivorous mammal belonging to the family Herpestidae. This family is currently split into two subfamilies, the Herpestinae and the Mungotinae.

Weasels are mammals of the genus Mustela of the family Mustelidae. The genus Mustela includes the least weasels, polecats, stoats, ferrets and mink.

A small carnivorous mammal with a long body and tail and a grizzled or banded coat, native to Africa and Asia.

Any of various carnivorous mammals of the genus Mustela, having a long slender body, a long tail, short legs, and brownish fur that in many species turns white in winter.

Any of various carnivorous mammals of the family Herpestidae, native to Asia, Africa, and southern Europe and introduced elsewhere, having a slender agile body and a long tail, and noted for the ability to seize and kill venomous snakes.

A person regarded as sneaky or treacherous.

Any of several species of generalist predatory Carnivores in the family Herpestidae; the various species range in size from rats to large cats. The Indian mongoose is noted as a predator of venomous snakes, though other mongoose species have similar habits.

To be evasive; equivocate.

Any species of pl=s; only distantly related to the Herpestidae, these are members of the family Eupleridae; they resemble mongooses in appearance and habits, but have larger ears and ringed tails.

The least weasel, Mustela nivalis.

A species of ichneumon (Herpestes griseus), native of India. Applied also to other allied species, as the African banded mongoose (Crossarchus fasciatus).

Any of the carnivorous mammals of the genus Mustela, having a slender body, a long tail and usually a light brown upper coat and light-coloured belly.

A Madagascan lemur (Lemur mongos).

The taxonomic family Mustelidae is also called the weasel family.

Agile grizzled Old World viverrine; preys on snakes and rodents

A devious or sneaky person or animal.

A type of yarn winder used for counting the yardage of handspun yarn. It most commonly has a wooden peg or dowel that pops up from the gearing mechanism after a certain number of yards have been wound onto the winder.

(transitive) To achieve by clever or devious means.

To gain something for oneself by clever or devious means.

(intransitive) To engage in clever or devious behavior.

Any one of various species of small carnivores belonging to the genus Putorius, as the ermine and ferret. They have a slender, elongated body, and are noted for the quickness of their movements and for their bloodthirsty habit in destroying poultry, rats, etc. The ermine and some other species are brown in summer, and turn white in winter; others are brown at all seasons.

Small carnivorous mammal with short legs and elongated body and neck

Mongooses primarily eat insects, crabs, and small vertebrates.

Mongooses are known for their ability to fight and kill snakes due to their agility and venom resistance.

Weasels primarily hunt small mammals, like voles and mice.

Mongooses are typically found in open forests and grasslands.

Weasels inhabit a range of environments, including woodlands and fields.

Mongooses have a flexible breeding season with multiple young per litter.

Mongooses can be either solitary or social, depending on the species, while weasels are mostly solitary.

Weasels typically breed once a year and have fewer offspring.

Weasels do not have specialized venom resistance like some mongooses.

Yes, weasels can adapt to various environments, including urban settings.