Collection: Ermine

The ermine ( Mustela erminea ) is a small, agile predator of Quebec's forests. It changes its coat with the seasons: brown on the back in summer, entirely white in winter, except for the black tip of its tail. This remarkable camouflage makes it difficult to spot in the snow. Fast and stealthy, it sneaks through undergrowth, embankments and marsh edges, hunting mainly voles, mice and small birds. The ermine is a valuable ally in controlling rodents. Although it is discreet, its presence is revealed by its winding tracks in the snow and sometimes by the warning calls of birds. The ermine is also an important figure in several northern cultures, a symbol of vigilance and finesse. It embodies the adaptive intelligence of Quebec's small fauna.