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| The Ermine, or Short-tailed Weasel, is more common to the Algonquin Highlands area than the Long-tailed Weasel. It is very similar, however smaller. Both Weasels are long-bodied with short legs and a brown coat in the summer, with a white to yellow undercoat and a black tip on their tails. The Ermine may have a lighter underside and white feet, while the Long-tailed Weasel has a more yellowish underside with brown feet. In winter, both animals are white, with a black tip on their tails. The Long-tailed Weasel has a longer black tip of two or more centimeters, compared to the 1.3 cm or less of the Ermine. The Long-tailed Weasel prefers open, grassy areas near water, and is more commonly found south of Ontario all the way into South America. The Ermine is found north of Ontario right up to the artic islands, and prefers upland forests. Both species are very efficient mouse predators, killing an excess of mice to store for later use. Because they need around 1,300 mice to survive each year, many die from starvation when mouse populations decline. Having stored food is wise for the Weasel. They are incredibly quick and have the ability to follow all species of mice through tunnels or under snow, as well as in the open, making them a deadly enemy. The Weasel also hunts nesting birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and other small prey. This is made possible by their efficient climbing skills. The Weasel makes its dens in abandoned burrows, creating a nest of hair and feathers taken from their prey. Mating occurs in midsummer, producing a litter between four and eight young, born in April or May. The female brings food to the young, who leave the parents at seven to eight weeks of age. Females mature at three to four months of age, while males do not mature until their second summer. Both Weasels are very vocal animals, using grunts, hisses, chatters, screeches and twills. Although they regularly hunt during daylight hours, the Weasel is much more active at night. This is probably due to the movement of their prey, making it more profitable for night hunting. The main predators of the Weasel are large hawks and owls. |
(Family Mustelidae)
Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata)
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