Description: Weasels are small mammals with long slender bodies,
long necks, and short legs. In this species, the head and body is 13 -
23 cm (5 - 9 in.) long, and the tail is 5 - 10 cm (2 - 4 in.) long. Males are larger than females. In summer, coloration is brown above and white below. The feet are white, and the tip of the tail is black. In winter, coloration is all
white except the black tip on the tail. Compared to the long-tailed weasel, this species is smaller, has white feet, and has a shorter tail; may be difficult to distinguish species in winter.
Diet: Feeds primarily on mice. Also eats other small animals including
birds, lizards, snakes, frogs, and insects. Will take prey several times
its own weight.
Habitat: A variety of habitats including open woodlands, brushy areas,
grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural areas, usually near water.
Range: Most of Canada and Alaska, south to New England and northern
tier of U.S. states; in the west, south to central California, Nevada, Utah,
Colorado, and northern New Mexico. In Nevada, occurs at higher elevations and may occur in the Spring Mountains.
Comments: Also called an ermine.