Weasels

Members of the weasel family range in size from the least weasel, which can be 5 inches long and weigh 1 to 2 ounces, to the wolverine, which can weigh up to 40 pounds. Even though the animals that we commonly think of as weasels—such as the ermine—are relatively small, the family also includes minks, martens,

fishers, and badgers. Agile, fast, and high-energy, weasels all have short legs; long, slender bodies; and nonretractable claws. Largely carnivorous and active both day and night, they are good climbers and have excellent senses of hearing, smell, and vision.

With a powerful bite, weasels can prey on animals larger than themselves, biting the back of the head and wrapping their body around their prey. Although other predators have this trait, the surplus killing of many animals at the same time is closely associated with weasels. This behavior is a response to abundant prey, especially in fall and winter, but can also be triggered in close quarters when animals panic and attempt to flee. (continued)

Photo: mlharing/Getty Images

SIGNS OF A VISIT

• Tracks and scat are small, at 1½ inch or less.

• May leave tail drag marks.

• Eggs are eaten through a ½- to ¾-inch hole in the shell.

• May leave a pile of bodies, with only the head eaten.

TO DETER

• Use hardware cloth to cover openings in coops and pens, since weasels can slip through a 1-inch opening.