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The Least Weasel

The Least Weasel. By: Nell Gibson and Kristen Ditsler. The Least Weasel. The smallest weasel and smallest carnivore in North America Males are larger than females Fur is brown above and whitish below during summer. Entirely white during winter No black tip at the end of short tail

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The Least Weasel

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  1. The Least Weasel By: Nell Gibson and Kristen Ditsler

  2. The Least Weasel

  3. The smallest weasel and smallest carnivore in North America Males are larger than females Fur is brown above and whitish below during summer. Entirely white during winter No black tip at the end of short tail Total length is less than 10 inches Weighs 1-3 ounces Identifying Characteristics:

  4. Habitat • Variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, brushy areas, and open woods. • Avoids dense forest. • Abundance of small mammals is important in determining the local distribution of least weasels.

  5. Food Habitat The Least Weasel prey on small rodents such as mice, rats, voles, hares, rabbits, and chipmunks.

  6. Life Cycle • Females mature at 3 to 4 months. • Males mature at about 1 year. • The breeding season is July. • Gestation period of 9-10 months. • Litter size varies from 4-13 with an average of 6-8. • The young are born in nest in underground dens or in hay piles. • The young are weaned at 5 weeks and can hunt by themselves by 7 or 8 weeks of age. • Life expectancy on average is up to a year but are capable of living up to 6 years.

  7. Habits • Curious, Alert, and Bold • Persistent hunters • Hunt at any hour • Most active at night • Active year round • Good swimmers • Climb trees • Stomp feet when annoyed • Mark their trails with droppings

  8. Economic Value • Weasels play an important role in helping to control rodent populations.

  9. Educational Websites • http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Mustela_nivalis • http://www.zoobooks.com/twentyqna.aspx?q=50 • http://www.nwf.org/Kids.aspx • http://www.montanatrappers.org/furbearers/least-weasel.htm

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