Weasels are native to many countries.

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The color varies, depending on season and country of origin. Weasel is similar to mink, to which it’s related, except that the hair is shorter. The fur is soft and light in weight. The yellow and light colors may be left natural, or the pelt may be dyed. Despite the resemblance to mink, weasel wears nowhere near as long, only about five to eight years.

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The dark brown fur of the Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica), otherwise called Kolinsky or Kolinski, or yellow weasel, is found in parts of the Himalayas, Siberia and China.

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Historically it was marketed under a variety of other names, including China mink, Japanese mink, Siberian mink, yellow mink, red sable, and tatar sable.

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The hair of the males, in particular, is used in the finest paint brushes.

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