The ermine, or stoat, is a short-tailed species of weasel. They are native to Eurasia and North America and introduced to New Zealand in the late 19th century. The name ‘ermine’ is mostly used for the animal in its pure white winter coat. It does not face any significant threat to its survival and in fact was named one of the most invasive species. They measure from 6.7-12.8″ in length and weigh between 6.3-9.1 oz. As with other weasels, small rodents make up most of its diet. The difference is that the ermine will go after much larger prey such as rabbits and hares.