Catch 'em if you can!

   The Least Weasel interacts with many species, and this interaction can be classified as co-existing relationship or a predator-prey relationship.

    Learn more details about Mustela nivalis by going to the Minnesota DNR website click here 

  Weasels tend to co-exist with stoats and prey on smaller animals. Although the Least weasel is a very successful predator, it still has enemies. These include ermine, eagles, owls, foxes, coyotes, predatory birds, martens, and polecats. Also snakes tend to prey on the young weasels. Being a prey item to these other Chordates is their primary cause death.

 

   Picture above taken by Northern Regional Council
         Comparison of Weasel, Stoat, and Ferret

 
    Besides their quick escape Weasels attempt to fight back by physically attacking the predator or releasing a musk from their anal glands. Although weasels feed primarily on rodents and insects which are smaller than them, they are capable of capturing larger prey items using their vicious teeth. Weasels are known to have one of the strongest bites so BEWARE!

 

  Mustela nivalis also has a close relationship to humans.  Both cases are beneficial to mankind, and negatively impact Mustela nivalis. Since a main food source for weasels are insects, weasels play a crucial role in maintaining insect levels to a minimum. Farmers enjoy this interaction because plant growth is secured. Rodent levels are also controlled by weasels and play an essential role in agricultural settings.
                                                                                                                              
   Weasels have also been used to make fur. This of course benefits humans by keeping them warm, but slowly decreases the weasel population.  

                  

Click here to find out some top secret facts about the Weasels

 

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