ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Long-tailed Weasel

 Long-tailed Weasel

Long-tailed weasel
Photo by Richard Day/Daybreak Imagery		 Long-tailed weasels may be small, but they are very aggressive. They will even threaten animals much larger than themselves.  

 

 Long-tailed Weasel track

 Long-tailed Weasel Track
(Click track to enlarge)

 

 

Long-tailed Weasel
Mustela frenata

At-a-Glance

• Litter Size: 4-8

• Typical Foods: rodents, rabbits and birds, but in the summer they may also eat fruits and berries
Description
The long-tailed weasel is distinguished by its yellowish-white underparts and the black tip on the end of its long, bushy tail. The tail is about 50 percent of its total body length.

Habitat and Habits
This weasel is very adaptable and can be found in all land habitats near water. Like most weasels, it is chiefly nocturnal, but can also be active by day. They can climb trees and swim, but most of their time is spent on the ground.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Long-tailed weasels exhibit delayed implantation. Copulation occurs in the summer, but the egg does not begin to develop until March, making the gestation period between 205 and 337 days. Litters of four to eight are born in April or early May.