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Answer
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Mary
asked
on
2/21/2007,
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I've seen a small weasel-type animal outside my window for the past several days with a pure white coat of fur. Any idea of what it could be? |
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Jim's answer: |
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Mary, The weasel-type animal you describe is in fact a "weasel". There are three species of weasels that live in Wisconsin. The long-tailed weasel found in the southern part of our state, the short-tailed weasel which is more common in the north, and the tiny, fairly rare least weasel. It sounds like the one you are seeing is the short-tailed weasel. Like all other weasels its fur is brown in color for most of the year but in winter, its coat turns to pure white with the exception of the black tip of its tail. During this time of year, when their color phase is white, weasels are often called "ermine".
Ermine fur was once highly sought after for use in expensive clothing for the very rich and for royalty. Ermine was used for centuries as fur trim in the coronation robes and crowns of kings and queens throughout Europe. In America, ermine fur was prized by Native Americans who used it to decorate war bonnets and spears.
The ermine's white fur is a real advantage to their survival in the northern climates. This camouflage helps them blend into the snow protecting them from predators like fox, owls, and hawks. It also helps them to stalk closer to their own prey such as rabbits and mice. Since weasels don't hibernate they must search for food throughout the winter. Chances are if you're seeing them around your home they're no doubt on the track of smaller animals like cottontail rabbits hiding out in your backyard or deer mice coming to feed on spilled seeds at your birdfeeder. Since weasels hunt mostly at night seeing them out and about during daylight is a rare treat. Enjoy the show. |
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