Here you will discover a variety of content regarding one of the most diverse mammalian families on the planet—the family Mustelidae. Genuine Mustelids is a website for people who see more than “cute” or “vicious” in these animals. Specifically, those who value an adequate degree of anatomical detail of mustelids in media, as well as factual and constructive information about the family that is neither sensational nor romanticised. We challenge conventional narratives, and prefer to respect readers who truly want to learn about mustelids by not telling half-truths for entertainment, placating, or pandering to what is easily digestible.
We provide less mainstream facts about numerous species, links to a large list of media, as well as honourable rescue and conservation organisations. In essence, we are a miniature online encyclopædia combining both science and popular culture to help promote a more insightful image of mustelids.
Supporting “uncharismatic minifauna”
Many mustelid species are overlooked in favour of more appealing mammals in popular media. Mustelids are feisty, curious, resourceful, and extraordinarily complex creatures with unique ecological benefits and vulnerabilities, and it is a shame most of these traits tend to be overshadowed by talks of their fur value, odour, or hyperbolizing their aggression and predation habits. Popularity does not necessarily mean better, and one of our many goals is to help bring attention to these underrated animals and show they can be just as captivating as the more familiar mammals in the order Carnivora.
Debunking myths while encouraging critical thinking
Due to their caricatured features and typecast roles in classic media, and the many sensationalist myths and half-truths about their behaviour and psychology, many mustelids continue to be misrepresented, misidentified, and generally misunderstood across the board. To add to this confusion, they are sometimes arbitrarily compared to or vernacularly named after species of felines, canines, rodents, and other unrelated animals, rather than being viewed as their own elaborate yet independent family.
Genuine mustelids are far more diverse and complex than many of the rumours and urban legends that precede them. We aspire to lessen common misunderstandings by providing facts about their true nature, appearance, and overlooked merits. Focusing on these essentials, we hope all our viewers leave having learnt something new about these animals. [Read more about our project…]
Quick Updates
• Henry Super Brain was added to Video Games under Ferrets.
• Party Animals was added to Video Games under Otters.
• Milo and Tina, mascots for the 2026 Winter Olympics, were added to Mustelids in Animation under Weasels.
• Surplus Killing: The Myth of Mustelid “Bloodthirst” was added to Our Articles.
• Minado, The Wolverine has been added to Feature and Short Films under Wolverines.
• Footprints in the Woods: The Secret Life of Forest and Riverbank was added to Young Adult Literature under Contains Multiple Mustelids.
• The Adventures of Phokey the Sea Otter: Based on a True Story was added to Educational and Nonfiction under Otters.
• Lylla from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was added to Mustelids in Animation under Otters.
• Joseph Carter the Mink Man was added to Documentaries and Educational Shorts under North American Mink.
This website is a large work-in-progress and requires additional information, citations, anatomical drawings, and proofreading. All team members are volunteers and work to make changes and add content when able.
For creators interested in mustelid species that rarely appear in art, literature, games, or animation.