A tiny ferocious predator that turns from brown to pure white (except a black tail tip) in winter. Ermine furs were once worn by European royalty as a symbol of status.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The American ermine or American stoat is a member of the family Mustelidae and of the genus mustelid. Previously thought of as conspecific with the stoat ,they have a body plan typical of weasels and are native to most of North America. There are currently 13 recognized subspecies. American ermines are small carnivorous mammals that live in a variety of terrestrial habitats, such as forests and wetlands.
Source: Wikipedia — American ermine Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Long sleek brown body with white throat; black mask; sharp pointed face.
Similar species. Long-tailed Weasel (similar but typically larger). American Marten (longer fur).
Voice. Sharp chitters and hisses.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Voracious carnivore: small mammals, birds, eggs, snakes.
Behavior. Solitary. Highly intelligent and active hunter.
§ Range
Canada, Alaska, northern US, Rockies
§ Habitat
Boreal forests, tundra, brushy areas with rodent populations
§ Threats
Climate-driven snowless winters leaving white-coated ermine visible to predators, rodenticide poisoning.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the short-tailed weasel (ermine) is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Skip rodenticides. Support climate action. Maintain rodent habitat (brushy field margins) without poison.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — American ermine
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Mustela richardsonii
- IUCN Red List · taxon 41658
- iNaturalist · taxon 42024
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Mustela richardsonii
§ Sources cited
- NWF Wildlife Guide
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List 2016
