Sneasel appears to be based on the kamaitachi, weasel demons with sickles on their front legs. Its Ice typing may also be a nod to the kamaitachi’s association with ice and snow. It also shares similar traits with cats and weasels, from unusually cruel behaviors to even superstition, from cat demons or black cats of Western witchcraft, to Japanese superstition of weasels, being known in their respective cultures for being sneaky and associated with “evil” and misfortune. Its eye markings are similar to that of ones in Egyptian style, possibly Horus’s.
Sneasel is a combination of sneaky and weasel. It may also derive from sneeze, an action associated with having a cold or being cold, referring to its Ice-type.
Nyula may be a combination of 潜入 sennyū (sneaking in) and 鼬 yū (weasel, an alternate reading of itachi). Alternatively, it may be a combination of new and 野良 nora (stray, as in a stray cat, as strays are usually violent and tricky). Nyu itself may be a combination of ニャー nya (the sound a cat makes) and 鼬 yū.
No: 215
English Name: Sneasel
Japanese Name: Nyura
Generation: 2
Type: Dark, Ice
Species: Sharp Claw Pokémon
Abilities: Inner Focus, Keen Eye, Pickpocket (hidden ability)
Evolution: Sneasel > Weavile
Sneasel is a bipedal Pokémon that resembles both cats and weasels. It is primarily bluish black with three bright red feathers for its tail and a single one on its left ear. The ear feather is shorter on the female than on the male. The other ear is short and pointed, and it has narrow red eyes. On its forehead and chest are yellow, oval markings. It has red eyes with black eyelash-like markings on the edges. It has long limbs with two large, retractable claws on its hands and feet.
Sneasel is a notoriously vicious Pokémon, which is perfectly capable of using its claws to do substantial damage. The claws are also used for climbing trees in its forest home. Sneasel steals eggs from unattended Pidgey nests. Sneasel has been known to form pairs to hunt. One will lure the parents away from the nest, while the other steals the eggs. Its former signature move, Beat Up, allows it to call on its teammates to attack its opponent.
POKEDEX ENTRIES
Pokemon Gold: Its paws conceal sharp claws. If attacked, it suddenly extends the claws and startles its enemy.
Pokemon Silver: Vicious in nature, it drives Pidgey from their nests and feasts on the eggs that are left behind.
Pokemon Crystal: This cunning Pokémon hides in the cover of darkness, waiting to attack its prey.
Pokemon Stadium 2: Its paws conceal sharp claws. If attacked, it suddenly extends the claws and startles its enemy.
Pokemon Ruby: Sneasel scales trees by punching its hooked claws into bark. It seeks out unguarded nests and steals Eggs for food while its parents are away.
Pokemon Sapphire: Sneasel scales trees by punching its hooked claws into bark. It seeks out unguarded nests and steals Eggs for food while its parents are away.
Pokemon Emerald: Sneasel scales trees by punching its hooked claws into bark. It seeks out unguarded nests and steals Eggs for food while its parents are away.
Pokemon FireRed: Vicious in nature, it drives Pidgey from their nests and feasts on the Eggs that are left behind.
Pokemon LeafGreen: Its paws conceal sharp claws. If attacked, it suddenly extends the claws and startles its enemy.
Pokemon Diamond: It feeds on Eggs stolen from nests. Its sharply hooked claws rip vulnerable spots on prey.
Pokemon Pearl: It is extremely vicious and will not stop attacking until its foe is incapable of moving.
Pokemon Platinum: A smart and sneaky Pokémon. A pair may work together to steal Eggs by having one lure the parents away.
Pokemon HeartGold: Its paws conceal sharp claws. If attacked, it suddenly extends the claws and startles its enemy.
Pokemon SoulSilver: Vicious in nature, it drives Pidgey from their nests and scavenges any leftovers it can find.
Pokemon Black: A smart and sneaky Pokémon. A pair may work together to steal Eggs by having one lure the parents away.
Pokemon White: A smart and sneaky Pokémon. A pair may work together to steal Eggs by having one lure the parents away.
Pokemon Black 2: A smart and sneaky Pokémon, it makes its opponents flinch by suddenly showing the claws hidden in its paws.
pokemon White 2: A smart and sneaky Pokémon, it makes its opponents flinch by suddenly showing the claws hidden in its paws.
Pokemon X: It feeds on eggs stolen from nests. Its sharply hooked claws rip vulnerable spots on prey.
Pokemon Y: Its paws conceal sharp claws. If attacked, it suddenly extends the claws and startles its enemy.
Pokemon Omega Ruby: Sneasel scales trees by punching its hooked claws into bark. It seeks out unguarded nests and steals Eggs for food while its parents are away.
Pokemon Alpha Sapphire: Sneasel scales trees by punching its hooked claws into bark. It seeks out unguarded nests and steals Eggs for food while its parents are away.
Pokemon SUN: It has a cunning yet savage disposition. It waits for parents to leave their nests, and then it sneaks in to steal their eggs.
Pokemon MOON: It uses its claws to poke holes in eggs so it can slurp out the insides. Breeders consider it a scourge and will drive it away or eradicate it.
