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| Class: Mammalia: Mammals | Diet: Mammals, small |
| Order: Carnivora: Carnivores | |
| Size: body:8 - 23 cm (7 - 9 in), tail: 5 - 7 cm (2 - 2 3/4 in) | |
| Family: Mustelidae: Mustelids | Conservation Status: Non-threatened |
| Scientific Name: Mustela nivalis (rixosa) | Habitat: farmland, woodland |
| Range: Europe, North Africa, Asia. North America; introduced in New Zealand | |
This
weasel is the smallest carnivore. It undergoes the same winter color change
as the ermine in the northern part of its range. The least weasel preys
mostly on mice and is small enough to pursue them into their burrows. It
is most active by night but will hunt in the day-time. One or two litters
a year, of 4 or 5 young each, are born in an underground nest.
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