Weasel
Weasels are widespread throughout the UK and the smallest and probably most numerous carnivore. They are found in a wide range of habitats which include urban areas, lowland pasture and woodland, marshes and moorland. Weasels are less common where their small mammal prey is scarce such as at higher altitudes and in dense woodland with sparse ground cover.
Weasels specialise in hunting small rodents and their numbers depend on the abundance of their prey. The Weasel's small size enables it to search through tunnels and runways of mice and voles. Access to tunnels means weasels can hunt at any time of the day or year. They do not hibernate and can hunt even under deep snow. Additional prey such as birds, eggs and young rabbits may be taken, particularly if rodents are scarce.
Traditionally Weasels have been considered enemies of game birds and gamekeepers have exercised intensive predator control, trapping and killing of many animals along with other carnivores.
Weasels have no legal protection in Britain but trapping probably has no long term effect and populations are very resilient as they naturally suffer high mortality. In bad rodent years many Weasels starve and few of the survivors breed. Local populations often experience extinctions although Weasels are extremely good at recolonising abandoned areas when conditions improve.
Date: 4th November 2006
Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex
Weasels specialise in hunting small rodents and their numbers depend on the abundance of their prey. The Weasel's small size enables it to search through tunnels and runways of mice and voles. Access to tunnels means weasels can hunt at any time of the day or year. They do not hibernate and can hunt even under deep snow. Additional prey such as birds, eggs and young rabbits may be taken, particularly if rodents are scarce.
Traditionally Weasels have been considered enemies of game birds and gamekeepers have exercised intensive predator control, trapping and killing of many animals along with other carnivores.
Weasels have no legal protection in Britain but trapping probably has no long term effect and populations are very resilient as they naturally suffer high mortality. In bad rodent years many Weasels starve and few of the survivors breed. Local populations often experience extinctions although Weasels are extremely good at recolonising abandoned areas when conditions improve.
Date: 4th November 2006
Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex
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Also in: Other mammals
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