Weasel Facts

Weasels are a part of the Mustelidae family of species which also includes ferrets, otters, mink and badgers. Weasels vary in color and size but they generally have slender bodies, rounded ears and short legs. These mammals are found in most places around the world such as North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Northern regions of Africa. Weasels are not found in Australia (and surrounding islands) and Antarctica.

Weasels are divided into two major categories - short tailed weasels and long tailed weasels. The basic structure of their bodies is same but are highly powerful, as against their small size. Weasels are considered to be ferocious hunters and are often not afraid to even confront animals bigger in size. Weasels are known to be found in areas with abundant water and mark their territories through a pungent secretion from their anal scent glands. Weasels can live up to a couple of years in the wild but survive for 10 years in captivity.

Random Weasel Facts

• The Latin name for weasel is mustela, and is small mammal with a fur body. Weasels are generally confused with ferrets, and, at times, even monkeys.
• The weasel is native to North America, Europe and Britain. Coincidentally, these are also places where monkeys are not native.
• Badgers, foxes and birds of prey are a weasels natural enemies and are often hunted by them.
• 'Pop goes the weasel' is a popular nursery rhyme in which weasels are mentioned. However, in reality weasels make a squelching like sound.
• Weasels are homosexual creatures. The only reason they mate with the opposite gender is to ensure their species stays on, even if they do not enjoy the mating part.
• Like all mustelids, weasels too generate a very pungent odor when they are irritated. This odor is so strong that it can be smelt from a considerable distance.
• In case a person is bitten by a weasel, he could die due to the poison if not given antidote, a monkey secretion.
• Weasels are generally very lazy and this explains why they do not flee in spite of being capable.
• One of the principal characters in the 'Ice Age' movie series, Sid, is a weasel.

Interesting Facts About Weasels

• Even though weasels are small, they are extremely quick. They move across swiftly and are master predators. They make no sound, and approach their prey quietly, pouncing on it after getting in range.
• Weasels have the ability to change their coat colors as per the season. This proves to be an extremely useful defense mechanism. During summers they have a brownish coat which transforms into fade white with the advent of winter.
• Minks and ferrets are considered to be the closest relatives of weasels.
• Weasels do not hibernate and are therefore active during summer as well as winter seasons. They are also known to be nocturnal.
• Since ages, fur from a weasel's body is being used for making winter jackets and parkas. It is believed, in western societies, a weasel's fur was considered to be a sign of royalty.
• There have been numerous laws and restrictions laid upon the hunting and killing of weasels all over the world for fur, to protect this species from extinction.

Long Tailed Weasel

• Male long tailed weasels are about 13 to 16 inches in length, bigger than their female counterparts which are 11 to 14 inches in length.
• As the name goes, these weasels have very long tails almost half the size of their body and head put together.
• Long tailed weasels are generally found at places which have a sizable rodent population and lots of water.
• Squirrels, voles, moles, rats, chipmunks and mice are consumed by the long tailed weasel and at times they also eat birds, insects and frogs.
• An interesting fact is that whenever they are ready to attack or frightened, they give away long chirps.
• The other type of sound is a low trilling sound, heard when two weasels of opposite sex meet.

Short Tailed Weasel

• Short tailed weasels are also known as stoat or ermine, and are small mammals with a furry body.
• Short tailed weasels are found in the Arctic tundra region of Europe and North America.
• These type of weasels have a paler color on their belly as compared to the rest of their body and the tip of their tail is mostly black. It remains black even when their fur turns white in winter.
• These kinds of weasels grow about 10 inches long and have tails which are around 3 inches in length. Females are smaller in size than males.
• Small tailed weasels are excellent hunters and prey on other smaller mammals like rats, rabbits and squirrels.

Another strange weasel fact is that it does not have many friends. This is because they are not trustworthy and are often known to kill other animals without reason. Also, weasels are highly curious mammals and are often found looking under bushes and peeping into holes in search of a prey.