The Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) is the most widespread Mustelid of the Americas, it ranges from north of South America to the south of Canada. Once thought to be nocturnal, it also hunts by day, primarily on voles. They are known for their zig-zag pattern hunting from burrow to burrow. The reason why weasels in a chicken yard, may kill all the chickens (more than it needs), is because its instinct dictates it should procure food when available and store it afterwards. When weasels drag their rump on the ground, they are thought to leave a scent to let other weasels know its sex and maybe even its identity. The Long-tailed Weasel is hunted by hawks, owls, cats, foxes, and snakes...
The Long-tailed weasel is listed as Least Concern (LR/lc), lowest risk. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Namings for the longtailed weasel
The females are called 'bitch, doe or jill' and males 'buck, dog, hub or jack'. A longtailed weasel group is called a 'boogle'.Countries
Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, United States and VenezuelaSome facts about the
Long-tailed weasel
Adult weight : 0.151 kg (0.3322 lbs)
Maximum longevity : 9 years
Female maturity :162 days
Male maturity : 365 days
Gestation : 25 days
Weaning : 37 days
Litter size : 6
Litters per year : 1
Interval between litters : 365 days
Weight at birth : 0.003 kg (0.0066 lbs)
Weight at weaning : 0.035 kg (0.077 lbs)
Basal metabolic rate : 1 W
Body mass : 0.225 kg (0.495 lbs)
Temperature : 38.85 °C (101.93 °F)
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