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Long-tailed Weasel
(Mustela frenata)

Size:

  • 10 in (26 cm) long.
  • Tail 6 in (15 cm) long.
  • Male weighs 7-12 oz (200-340 g), female distinctly smaller.

Distribution in North America:

range map

 Long-tailed weasel - Southeastern US photo

weasel tracks
Tracks
Front: 1" x 1"
Hind: 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Habitat:

  •   Found in most land habitats near water; even in suburban areas.
  •   Usually dens in old burrows of other animals.

Notes:

  •   Smaller than mink.
  •   Yellowish-white underparts; mink has white chin patch only.
  •   Larger than shorttail weasel, with longer tail.
  •   Mostly nocturnal and prefers to live alone.

The longtail weasel is the most widely distributed of the weasels, and it will live in nearly any available habitat. It will climb trees readily, but prefers to stay on the ground. It eats mostly small mammals up to rabbit size. Like most members of the weasel family, it kills with a piercing bite to the base of the skull.

Be sure to check local regulations for hunting or trapping information on this species.

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