Never Underestimate this Pint-Sized Carnivore…. The Long-Tailed Weasel!

July 13, 2024

Such a surprise and total delight to find a long-tailed weasel hunting on our property! Busy probing numerous rodent burrows for an easy meal, he was too occupied to notice us staring in awe. What a beautiful little guy ……. from the white mask markings on his head, to his luxurious sable-colored fur draped over creamy buff-colored underparts; from his ground hugging, long, thin and sleek body, to his equally long or longer tail with a dashing black tip ……. the long-tailed weasel is a sight to behold!

Although their range includes southwest Canada, all of the lower “48,”Mexico, Central America and parts of northwest and southwest South America, seeing a long-tailed weasel is rare. Only one animal occupies a territory roughly 40 acres in size, which boundaries are aggressively maintained by frequent scent marking.

Even though the neighborhood pack rat, mole, squirrel and mice populations might suffer within a long-tailed weasel’s territory, we would enjoy and appreciate seeing more of this ferocious, pint-sized carnivore around our home!

Have you ever seen this or any weasel species? If you’ve seen this weasel (aka ermine) during winter, fully cloaked in brilliant white except for a black-tipped tail, ooooooooo! How lucky! Share your weasel observations please.

As always, Thanks for stopping by!