The Weasel , Musrela nivalis

The Weasel , Musrela nivalis is a member of the Mustelid family of mammals and is related to Stoats, Ferrets, Polecats and Otters all of which have long slender bodies with short legs. The weasel has a russet-brown back, and a creamy white throat and belly. It is smaller than the similar stoat, has a shorter tail with no black tip, and has a running gait, with a straight back; stoats bound along, arching their backs as they go.

Weasels are the UK’s smallest carnivore, they have to consume about a third of their body weight each day and their diet consists of voles, mice, eggs, birds and small rabbits. Being so small and slender the Weasel can easily follow its prey down tunnels.

The average life span of a Weasel is around 2 years old. Dens are usually nests of former prey taken over by weasels, and may contain the remains of food from several days meals. A weasel’s home range usually contains several dens and resting places that are visited at intervals. Weasel home ranges vary in size according to the distribution and density of prey. Male and females live in separate territories, male ranges being larger. Resident animals of both sexes may defend exclusive territories at times when numbers are high and neighbours numerous. In spring males extend their range to seek mates.

Young females become fertile around 2-3 months old and can have up to 2 litters of 3-6 Kits per year depending upon the abundance of food. They are generally solitary creatures and will only get to gather to mate.

They are found in a wide range of habitats which include urban areas, lowland pasture, woodland, marshes and moors throughout mainland uk . Weasels are less common where their prey are scarce, such as at higher altitudes and in dense woodland with sparse ground cover. Weasel numbers are estimated at 450,000 individuals.

Traditionally weasels have been considered enemies of gamebirds and gamekeepers have exercised intensive predator control, trapping and killing many weasels along with other carnivores. Weasels do kill some gamebird chicks, but probably very few. Weasels have no legal protection in Britain. Trapping probably has no long term effect: weasel populations are very resilient and they naturally suffer high mortality. In bad rodent years many weasels starve and few of the survivors breed. Local populations often experience extinctions. However, weasels are extremely good at recolonising abandoned areas when conditions improve. Natural predators include Foxes and various birds of prey.

Life Span: Avg 2years
Body Length: 17-24cm
Tail: 3-5 cm
Weight 50 -150g (females are lightest)

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