Mustela altaica is found in mountains of Asia, from Russian
Central Asia to Korea to northern India. The mountain weasel
lives chiefly in mountains at elevations up to 3,500 m or more.
It may be found in mixed taiga, highland steppes, or above
timberline among heaps of stones However, observations suggest
this species may be able to live in a larger range of habitats
(sand dunes, among reeds, etc). It may live near human
habitations and nests in rock crevices, among tree roots, or in
burrow of rodents. (Novikov, 1962) M. altaica generally
resembles M. sibiricus but is smaller, with shorter fur, and a
less luxuriant tail. Males exhibit head and body length of 22 to
29 cm, with the tail adding 11 to 15 cm. Males can weigh from
217 to 350 g. Females measure 22 to 25 cm, with tails of 9 to 12
cm. They weigh from 122 to 220 g. This species undergoes spring
and autumn molts. The winter coat is dark yellowish to ruddy
brown on the back, with pale yellow to creamy white on throat
and belly. The upper head between the