The weasel is a beautiful, sweet-looking animal with a fierce disposition. It has become established in North America, Korea, Iraq, Iran, and Mongolia. It can even be found in Egypt, Australia, Europe, as well as Algeria and Japan. Its habitat is quite diverse. It can live in forests, fields, deserts, tundra, and even in areas populated by humans. People admire the weasel for its cute appearance and small size. Looking at this charming animal, it's hard to imagine that it terrifies even animals larger than itself. But in reality, the weasel is a sophisticated predator.
Why does the animal have such a cute name?
The word weasel translates from Latin as "snowy." Indeed, in winter the animal changes its fur coat to white, which makes it look even cuter. But beyond its affectionate name and adorable appearance, there's nothing endearing about this bloodthirsty little creature.
Who is this weasel?
It's often confused with the marten, but they are completely different animals, belonging to the same species. The weasel is just a small member of the mustelid family.
Exists several subspecies of this animal:
southern;- Crimean;
- large;
- northern;
- Turkestan;
- Siberian.
southern;The weasel's body is no more than 22 cm long. Its small paws have sharp claws. This diminutive animal has a strong, long neck, but its head and muzzle are narrow and small. Its ears are also small, but its eyes are large and dark. The weasel has a long tail, beneath which are glands that secrete a very pungent odor that deters predators. An adult male weighs no more than 250 grams, and females even less! Despite its size, however, it is a skilled and sophisticated predator.
This animal's fur is very beautiful, although it's not as fluffy as other mustelids. Its color varies with the season, because a weasel is a shedding animalIn winter, its fur changes color to white, but in summer it becomes brownish-brown.
The character of a predator
The weasel leads a solitary life. Using scent, it marks out its territory, which is about 10 hectares, where it then lives and hunts. This animal hunts in secluded places, mainly at night. However, it is a very active animal that can be awake at any time of day. This small, bold animal is very agile. It can run, swim, and climb quickly. It eats mainly mice, but will not disdain anything it can catch. Sometimes it manages to catch prey several times larger than itself. The weasel also makes holes in eggs and drinks the contents. Sometimes stockpiles field mice, storing them in their burrow.
Weasels don't like building their own homes, so they invade territories belonging to others. These typically include burrows or empty crevices. They find several homes within their chosen territory. Despite this, weasels often die. They can become infected with various infectious diseases or simply die at the hands of large predators. In a safe environment, weasels can live up to 5 years, but in the wild, their lifespan averages 9-10 months.
Does the animal have enemies?
As we've already mentioned, weasels are often killed by predators much larger than this cute little animal. An encounter with one of these animals can be fatal.
Among the enemies of affection The following predators can be noted:
- sable;
- wolf;
- fox;
- badger;
- pine marten;
- raccoon dog.
sable;The animal also has enemies among birds, which include birds of prey:
- owl;
- owl;
- hawk;
- white-tailed eagle;
- golden eagle.
How do animals reproduce?
In March, the mating season begins for this species. Males vocalize loudly, emitting a variety of sounds, and fight over females. Since male weasels are polygamous, they can mate with several individuals of the opposite sex.
After the female becomes pregnant, she is left alone. The male leaves her and lives independently. The gestation period lasts up to 35 days. During this time, the female prepares a cozy home for her future babies, which is lined with grass and moss. After 35 days, the weasel gives birth. tiny blind puppies, weighing about 2 grams.
A litter can consist of up to eight puppies. While the pups are blind, a period that lasts three weeks, they drink their mother's milk. After this period, the weasel brings them a small mouse, thus introducing them to other foods. At this time, the pups begin to learn to play. They fight and struggle for their first "prey." Four months after birth, the young weasels leave their mother. When they are ready to leave the nest, they follow their mother everywhere. Together, they explore the area and wander further and further. The following reflex weakens, and then the mature pups begin to live independently.
Relationship with a person
Weasels were once hunted for their pelts. Some cultures also held a superstition that led people to be friendly toward weasels, and in return for their kindness, they supposedly brought good fortune to the home. Others, however, believed they were unlucky and avoided them.
These prejudices have now evaporated, as has the weasels' hunting significance. They are no longer a prey to their valuable fur. However, weasels now hunt mice in greater numbers than brings benefits to peopleBut if she enters a human dwelling, she won't leave without prey, and will inevitably steal something or break into a chicken coop. However, due to the eradication of rodents, people are willing to forgive her many things. Keeping this mammal as a pet has also become popular.
Weasel in your home
With its cute face, this animal wins the hearts of mustelid lovers. These people are eager to have one as a pet. Of course, for humans, this mammal species does not pose a danger.
If you'd like to adopt this adorable predator and become its friend, you should know that it's easiest to tame a baby weasel. However, they require care. Feeding a baby weasel can be difficult, so it's usually best to catch an adult weasel and tame it gradually. Be prepared for the weasel to be less than enthusiastic about your idea, and you'll likely get bitten more than once. Care and attention will go a long way: if you're willing to devote time to your future friend, your weasel can become a loyal pet.
It's difficult to answer the question about acquiring an animal. These animals you won't find it in a regular pet store, so it's very difficult to find a weasel for sale. You'll likely have to catch one yourself or find someone special to do the job.
