Long Tailed Weasel Facts

Long tailed weasel is a carnivorous mammal of the genus Mustela. Mustela frenata is the scientific name of this small mammal, that mainly inhabits southern Canada, United States and central and northern regions of South America. Once, this animal was thought to be nocturnal, like other weasels, but, later it was discovered that though this animal is mostly active during the night, it is also diurnal, as its favorite food item voles are active during the day.

Long Tailed Weasel Information

Physical Appearance
It possess a long and slender body with a bushy tail, that is usually more than half of the length of its body. The tail is brown with a black tip. The color of the body is brown above, with a yellowish white belly. On an average, adult males can grow up to 14 to 18 inch and weigh about 500 gm. The female weasel is usually smaller and weighs almost half of the male. This short-legged animal has a small head with long whiskers and a short neck.

The animal turns completely white, except for the tip of the tail, nose and its black eyes, when winter approaches. This is its adaptation to the habitat, which gives it a camouflage against the snow. Such camouflaging help it to escape from the attacks of predators like, owl and hawk. But, when spring approaches, it again turns brown above and white or yellowish white underside.

Habitat
It is more commonly found in bushy areas, usually near water bodies like rivers and streams. However, it can survive in a wide range of habitats including, woodlands, farmland or open areas. In United States, long tailed weasel can be found in large numbers in the southwest regions and throughout Minnesota. Apart from United States, it can also be found in Mexico, South America and in many parts of Canada.

Diet
Being a carnivore and aggressive hunter, it mainly preys a large number of small mammals and rodents like, mice, chipmunks, shrews, prairie dogs, rabbits, gophers, rats, mice and voles. Voles can be termed as its favorite food. The slender and long body of the animal enables it to easily enter into the burrows to hunt down small rodents. Occasionally, it can also prey on snakes, small birds, earthworms and insects like, grasshoppers and wasps. Apart from the small mammals, birds and insects, it has been found to have the ability to attack animals, larger than its size. While attacking a larger animal, it usually rushes at a great speed, grab the base of the skull of the animal and then crush it with the help of the canines.

Reproduction
Summer is the mating time for this animal. The male reaches maturity in about 1 year, while the female matures in 3 to 4 months. The fertilized egg or the embryo develops only 27 days before the birth of the young ones. The female gives birth to about 4 to 8 young ones in spring. The young ones are born blind, as their eyes remain covered with fur. The eyes open in approximately 36 days. During this time period, the babies are dependent on their mother's milk for survival. Even after they are weaned in about 5 to 6 weeks, their mother continues to feed them and eventually takes them for hunting. Between 7 to 8 weeks, the babies ultimately become able to catch prey on their own, and then they leave their mother.

Behavior
It has been found to exhibit some peculiar and distinct behavior. Basically, the animal produces a variety of sounds in different situations. It can squeal, trill and purr, especially when it is content. But, when frightened or alarmed, the animal can release musk that smells quite strong. The musk is actually secreted by the anal glands of the animal, when it is alarmed or excited. Such strong-smelling musk is also released by the animal during the mating season to attract the opposite sex.

It has been observed to follow a peculiar zigzag pattern while hunting. Its tracks have a unique appearance, as while leaping silently, the hind feet of the animal fall exactly in the tracks of its front feet. Its life span can be quite short, and may not exceed one year. However, many of them can live up to 6 years as well. Apart from being an effective hunter, long tailed weasel is also a good climber and swimmer. Its main predators are gray fox, red fox, hawks, owl and large snakes.