Hunting Behavior

Weasel performing "the dance of death," click here forYoutube video

Weasels are predators! Sara, let me just say that the word "weasel" derives from the Anglo-Saxon word "weatsop," or bloodthirsty animal. There have been myths about weasels being driven to killing sprees by stomach parasites for a long time, but it's all nonsense. The myth probably came from the weasel's strong predatory instinct, which is triggered by movement (miwildlife.org). Least weasels easels can kill an entire colony of mice when this instinct is triggered. Weasels are solitary and hunt alone, except for mothers of juveniles (www.ytpe.org.uk). They mostly eat mice and voles, but eat other rodents such as chipmunks shrews. See the post entitled "Diet" for elaboration. They do hunt rabbits, but the males are more likely to do so, as they tend to be better hunters. Weasels can usually run faster than rabbits underground, and show amazing stamina. If aboveground, they will preform "the dance of death" (karlshuker.blogspot.com). This is jumping around, going to the ground, rolling, etc., effectively hypnotizing the rabbit or other small prey animal, which stands, apparently passive. Many rabbit owners use this state to trim their claws.