The Long-Tailed Weasel, Mustela frenata, is a mustelid species that is distributed from southern Canada throughout all of the United States and Mexico, southward through Central America and into South America. It is also known as the bridled weasel or big stoat, and is distinct from the stoat. Its eyes are black in daylight but glow green when caught in a spotlight at night. As an aggressive hunter, the long-tailed weasel may hunt animals that are larger than itself, and it is an obligate carnivore that prefers its prey to be alive. Its primary diet includes mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, shrews, moles, and rabbits.
The Long-Tailed Weasel has a body length in the range of 11”-16.5” (28-42 cm) and total weight of 3-9.5 oz (85-270 g). Long-Tailed Weasels have a shoulder height between 3.9”-5.9” (10-15 cm), body width of 2.75”-3.9” (7-10 cm), and tail length of 3.1”-5.9” (8-15 cm). The typical lifespan of the Long-Tailed Weasel is between 3-9 years.
The Long-Tailed Weasel, Mustela frenata, is a mustelid species that is distributed from southern Canada throughout all of the United States and Mexico, southward through Central America and into South America. It is also known as the bridled weasel or big stoat, and is distinct from the stoat. Its eyes are black in daylight but glow green when caught in a spotlight at night. As an aggressive hunter, the long-tailed weasel may hunt animals that are larger than itself, and it is an obligate carnivore that prefers its prey to be alive. Its primary diet includes mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, shrews, moles, and rabbits.
The Long-Tailed Weasel has a body length in the range of 11”-16.5” (28-42 cm) and total weight of 3-9.5 oz (85-270 g). Long-Tailed Weasels have a shoulder height between 3.9”-5.9” (10-15 cm), body width of 2.75”-3.9” (7-10 cm), and tail length of 3.1”-5.9” (8-15 cm). The typical lifespan of the Long-Tailed Weasel is between 3-9 years.