It is probably a weasel or a stoat/ermine in its winter coat. I can't get a good gauge from the photo on how large it is. Ermine's usually don't get more than a foot long and weasels can be as long as 2 feet. Size is the best way to tell them apart. We have a lot of mustelids here in Northern Utah, especially in the high meadows.
Mustelids are a type of musky animal. It includes martens, fishers, weasels, ferrets, stoats, mink, otters, badgers, wolverines. Skunks used to be considered mustelids but genetic research has determined that they are actually in a separate family.
Susan is right, weasels are fantastic little hunters and keep the other vermin down.
Thx, Suzzz; He's probably quite happy across the road from me, then. It's a nature preserve overflowing with other critters intent on eating every flower bulb I plant. :)
what a great photo and such a cute little guy. My sister used to have ferrets as pets and I really got to like these type of animals after playing with hers. The only problem with wild weasels (or ermine, whichever he is) is they are quite ferocious for such a small animal and particularly trouble around a chicken coop.
15 comments:
Can't say I have any Instagram experience...
But I do like your photo. Is that some sort of ferret?
Thank you! I'm not sure what kind of a critter he is.. super cute and very curious.
A white ferret? Didn't know they exist in the US, but there it is.
And I haven't tried Instagram but I'll explore it. I looked yours over...especially liked the "zombie tee shirt".
Happy New Year, Prof!
Thanks, that t-shirt was a mighty big hit on Christmas Eve. ;)
Someone over on Facebook, said this little critter is an Ermine? I know nothing...
It is probably a weasel or a stoat/ermine in its winter coat. I can't get a good gauge from the photo on how large it is. Ermine's usually don't get more than a foot long and weasels can be as long as 2 feet. Size is the best way to tell them apart. We have a lot of mustelids here in Northern Utah, especially in the high meadows.
Not very tall... perhaps 18 inches stretched out to watch me bring in the mail.
A mustelid?? Off I go to Google that one! :D
What a cute little weasel! Lucky! He'll take care of any vole trouble you may have.
He is very cute!
So, he's a weasel? He sure is a cute little bugger. :)
Happy New Year, Everyone!
And, thanks for paying me a visit.
Mustelids are a type of musky animal. It includes martens, fishers, weasels, ferrets, stoats, mink, otters, badgers, wolverines. Skunks used to be considered mustelids but genetic research has determined that they are actually in a separate family.
Susan is right, weasels are fantastic little hunters and keep the other vermin down.
what a blessing to not only see this magical critter, but to capture it too. You lucky girl
peace,
CheyAnne
Thx, Suzzz;
He's probably quite happy across the road from me, then. It's a nature preserve overflowing with other critters intent on eating every flower bulb I plant. :)
Thanks, CheyAnne & Happy New Year to you and yours.
You are SO fortunate to have captured on film that winterized little ermine! They are SO camera shy! My husband loves the shot, too!
what a great photo and such a cute little guy. My sister used to have ferrets as pets and I really got to like these type of animals after playing with hers. The only problem with wild weasels (or ermine, whichever he is) is they are quite ferocious for such a small animal and particularly trouble around a chicken coop.
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