Least Weasel: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Weasels and Badgers · day 5 of 7

Five facts

1. Tiny but fierce, the least weasel can kill a rabbit 5 to 10 times heavier than itself.
2. A least weasel doesn't dig its own den. It moves into an abandoned burrow, such as a mole's, and lines the nest with straw and prey skins.
3. Newborn kits are pink, hairless, blind and deaf, and weigh only 1.5 to 4.5 g. By day 4, soft white fuzz covers them.
4. On average a least weasel eats 35 g a day, equal to 30 to 35% of its body weight.
5. In the north and at high altitudes, the least weasel's coat turns pure white in winter.

The quiz

1. How big a rabbit can a least weasel kill?

• Half its own weight
• The same as its own weight
• Twice its own weight
• 5 to 10 times its own weight (correct)

It can take down a rabbit 5 to 10 times heavier than itself.

2. Where does a least weasel make its nest?

• In a burrow it digs itself
• In an abandoned burrow (correct)
• High in a tree
• Under a pile of rocks

It doesn't dig its own den and moves into an abandoned burrow instead.

3. What do newborn least weasel kits grow after 4 days?

• A white coat of downy fur (correct)
• Sharp claws
• A black tail tip
• Open eyes

At 4 days old, kits grow a soft, fuzzy white coat.

4. About how much does a least weasel eat per day?

• 5 g
• 100 g
• 35 g (correct)
• 500 g

On average it eats 35 g a day.

5. What colour can a northern least weasel's coat turn in winter?

• Dark grey
• Pure white (correct)
• Bright red
• Black

In the north and at high altitudes the coat turns pure white in winter.

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