Jenny Turner, age 15, of DeKalb, Ill., for her question:

WHERE DOES THE WILD ERMINE LIVE?

The ermine is an aggresssive weasel that you'll find living in cold, northern climates. Home is Norway, Sweden, Russia and northern Canada.

Trappers must work long and hard in bitter, cold weather to find the ermine. The animals are caught with snares or traps.

An ermine's short, smooth fur changes from brown to white in winter. The animal is only called an ermine when its fur is white. When its fur is brown, it is called a stoat or weasel.

The white, winter fur is valuable. It is used to make jackets,

Capes and muffs. Ermine is also used to trim clothing.

A large ermine pelt is only about 12 inches long and many are needed to make a garment. Furriers must also match the pelts for color and quality before using them in a garment.

Because of its value, ermine fur has long served as a symbol of rank. When used as an emblem of government or royalty, ermine for is called miniver.