Eastern subspecies of short-tailed weasel. Brown in summer, white in winter except for black tail tip.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The stoat, also known as the Eurasian ermine or ermine, is a species of mustelid native to Eurasia and the northern regions of North America. Because of its wide circumpolar distribution, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The name ermine is used especially in its pure white winter coat of the stoat or its fur. Ermine fur was used in the 15th century by Catholic monarchs, who sometimes used it as the mozzetta cape. It has long been used on the ceremonial robes of members of the United Kingdom House of Lords. It was also used in capes on images such as the Infant Jesus of Prague.
Source: Wikipedia — Stoat Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Slim weasel with brown back, white belly; black-tipped tail; white in winter.
Similar species. Least Weasel (smaller; no black tip). Long-tailed Weasel (larger).
Voice. Squeaks; hisses.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Voles, mice, occasional small reptiles.
Behavior. Eastern subspecies of short-tailed weasel. Turns white in winter (ermine fur).
§ Range
Northern North America
§ Habitat
Forests, brushy areas, mountains
§ Threats
Climate-driven snowless winters, rodenticide poisoning.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the short-tailed weasel (eastern) is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Skip rodenticides. Maintain rodent habitat.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Stoat
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Mustela erminea
- IUCN Red List · taxon 14000
- iNaturalist · taxon 41788
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Mustela erminea
§ Sources cited
- American Society of Mammalogists
- IUCN Red List 2016
