Least Weasel

Size

Males are 18 to 25 cm (7.1 to 9.8 in); females are 16.5 to 18 cm (6.5 to 7.1 in).  Tail length is 22 to 40 mm (.9 to 1.6 in).  The weight is 30 to 55 g (1.1 to 1.9 oz).

Food

Small rodents make up the majority of the least weasel’s diet. On average, this small carnivore must consume half of its body weight every day to survive. This is about two deer mice or one meadow vole each day. When rodents are not readily available, the least weasel will eat birds’ eggs, nestlings, insects, and lizards. In the extreme northern populations Mustela nivalis will eat carcasses of brown lemmings.

Habitation

The least weasel is commonly found in meadows, marshes, farmlands, prairies, semi-deserts and grassy fields, yet tends to avoid woodlands, sandy deserts and open spaces. It often remains unnoticed, although the population may be abundant.