Long-tailed Weasel Mustela frenata Lifespan in the wild is not well known but in captivity may live up to 9 years

Identification Weighs an average of 5.3 oz inches long Males are larger than females The long-tailed weasel has a small head with long whiskers, a short neck and long body They have brown fur except for the yellow fur on its belly and black tip on its tail They are most active at night

Range The long-tailed weasel is found across the continental United States and parts of southern Canada.

Habitat The long-tailed weasel lives in a variety of habitats but is most frequently found near a water source They are commonly found in woodlands, thickets, fields, suburban areas and farmland They are not found in dense forests

Diet The long-tailed weasel is a carnivore It’s high rate of metabolism requires it to eat 40% of its body weight every day It eats small mammals, birds and insects The weasel kills its prey by crushing its skull with its teeth Weasel store surplus food

Mating The mating season of the long tailed weasel is in the summer. To attract mates, the male will release a strong smelling musk If a male smells a female, he will leave his territory and chase after her.

Burrow The long-tailed weasel makes it burrow or nest in hollow logs, rock piles, or under man- made structures. They have been known to take over the abandoned dens of other animals

The Young The females give birth in the spring to a litter of 4-8 young. The babies are born with a thin covering of fur and are completely blind Their eyes open and are weaned for 36 days then the mother takes them hunting They leave their mother when they are 7-8 weeks old and search for their own territory Reach maturity in 8-12 months

Predators Long-tailed weasels are hunted by grey and red foxes, predatory birds and large snakes

Voice The long-tailed weasel uses many different sounds to communicate including: squeals, squeaks, barks and purrs

Interesting Facts While hunting, the long-tailed weasel may follow the prey into its own burrow. Long-tailed weasels hunt in a zigzag pattern. When leaping; the rear feet land exactly in the tracks of the front feet. They can climb trees and are good swimmers They release a strong smelling musk when frightened and are very aggressive when their territory is invaded

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