Weasels to Wolverines – Meet the Mustelids

The earliest mustelids appeared about 35 million years ago in Asia. In this family, exists 55 species in 24 different genera including weasels, badgers, ferrets, martens, minks, and otters. These carnivores, live all over the world in a variety of habitats both terrestrial and aquatic. The two features that all share in common are 5-toed feet and a musky scent gland under the tail. Mustelids also have a reputation of being ferocious hunters, able to take down prey much larger in size than themselves.

Steve Sheffield, professor of biology at Bowie State and Mammal Curator for NHSM, will introduce you to this interesting family of animals focusing on those found in Maryland.

In addition to his work at Bowie State and NHSM, Steve Sheffield holds Research Associate positions with Carnegie Museum of Natural History and National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian Inst).  Originally from upstate New York (Syracuse), Steve earned degrees from SUNY-Oswego (BA – Zoology), Appalachian Environmental Laboratory (Univ of Maryland; MS – Wildlife Ecology), and Oklahoma State University (Ph.D. – Zoology) along with a 2-year postdoc with Oak Ridge National Laboratory/EPA. He has also held faculty positions at Clemson University, George Mason University, and Virginia Tech.