Long-tailed weasel

The long-tailed weasel, sometimes called the bridled weasel or big stoat, is a captivating mustelid species that ranges across North and Central America. This species has existed for 5 to 7 million years, evolving to adapt to changing environments, particularly as forests transitioned to grasslands.

In terms of size, the long-tailed weasel is larger than its close relative, the stoat. Its appearance varies with the seasons: it boasts brown fur during the summer and switches to white fur in the winter. This weasel molts twice a year to accommodate these changes. It exhibits fascinating behaviors, such as marking its territory with scent and making its home in burrows or abandoned chipmunk holes.

Regarding reproduction, the long-tailed weasel employs a unique strategy called delayed implantation. After mating, the fertilized egg does not immediately implant in the uterus, resulting in a gestation period of about 10 months. Consequently, kits are typically born in April or May. These offspring are born blind and hairless but develop rapidly, reaching maturity by autumn.

The long-tailed weasel is an adept hunter. Its diet primarily consists of small mammals such as mice, rats, and rabbits. As an obligate carnivore, it prefers fresh prey and often stores surplus kills in its burrow for future consumption. Its diet can also include birds, reptiles, and insects.