Esther Decker, age 14, of Portland, OR for her question:

WHERE DOES THE ERMINE LIVE?

Ermine is an aggressive weasel that lives in cold northern climates. You'll find him living in Norway, Sweden, Russia and northern Canada.

The animal is called an ermine only when its fur is white in winter. Other times of the year the animal's fur is brown and it is then called a stoat or weasel.

Ermine fur is very valuable. It is used to make jackets, coats, muffs and capes. The beautiful white fur is also used sometimes to trim clothing.

Trappers must work long and hard in bitter cold winter weather to catch the animals. Snares or traps are used.

A large ermine pelt or skin is only about 12 inches long. Many pelts are needed to make a single garment.