Description: Weasels are small mammals with long slender bodies,
long necks, and short legs. In this species, the head and body is
20 - 25 cm (8 - 10 in.) long, and the tail is 8 - 15 cm (3 - 6 in.) long. Males
are larger than females. In summer, coloration is brown above and
yellow-white below. The feet are brown, and the tip of the tail is black. In
winter, coloration is all white except the black tip on the tail. Compared to
the short-tailed weasel, this species is larger, has brown feet, and has a
longer tail; may be difficult to distinguish species in winter. This is the
most widespread carnivore in the Western Hemisphere. Produces 4 - 8
offspring during the spring.
Diet: Primarily small mammals to the size of a small rabbit; also birds,
insects, and earthworms. Probably takes any small animal.
Habitat: Almost all habitats in the Western Hemisphere.
Range: This species occurs across southern Canada, most of the U.S. (except the southwestern deserts), and southward into South America. In Clark County, Nevada, this species occurs as an isolated population in the Spring Mountains and in the Muddy River and Virgin River areas.