Weasels are carnivores (nhptv.org)! That means they eat nothing but meat except in worst-case scenarios. According to esf.edu, they usually eat voles and mice but will go for larger prey such as "moles, shrews, tree squirrels, chipmunks, and snowshoe hares. [They] may also consume insects, earthworms, frogs, snakes, birds and bird’s eggs, especially when small mammals are scarce." Their strong climbing and swimming (water vole, anyone?) help catch their prey.
The long--tailed weasel's* hunting technique is to pounce on the prey and bite their neck repetitively, severing crucial blood vessels in the neck (esf.org). Weasels sometimes kill too much prey and will "cache" the extra (miwildlife.org). Least weasels* have extraordinary appetites and eat almost 50% of their body weight daily (miwildlife.org).
*See habitat post for info on least, long-tailed, and short-tailed weasels.
This is fascinating, Hazel! As I mentioned, I am in awe of the least weasel's appetite. Wow!
ReplyDeleteHow long is the averages weasels life
ReplyDeleteIt's really not well known. The 9.1 year figure I mentioned is the longest known life in captivity, again it was a least weasel. Most die before reaching adulthood (pretty sad) and those who do live for only a few years (http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu). Help me, I can't stop citing! Weasels reach sexual maturity at four to eight months. I think they might have a generation cycle of a few years, but that's just an estimate.
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DeleteAnd most of them live for a couple of years. See, there's the answer to your question.
DeleteHmm wow carnivores different I have to say.
ReplyDeleteYou forgot to use citation.
BUT THEY WERE SO CUTE.
Why do you keep saying Least in front of sentances
ReplyDeleteWhere?
DeleteOh, least weasels are a type of weasel.
DeleteBOOM! [FATALITY]
ReplyDeleteHow did I get here?
ReplyDelete