Long-tailed Weasel

Long-tailed weasels are mammals in Yellowstone National Park.

Courtesy Mike Warner

 

Long-tailed weasel track

Scientific Name

Mustela frenata

Identification

• Typical weasel shape: a very long body, short legs, pointed face, long tail.
• 13–18 inches long, 4.8–11 ounces.
• Fur is light brown above and buff to rusty orange below in summer; all white in winter, except for tail, which is black-tipped all year.
• Males 40% larger than females.
• Compare to marten and short-tailed weasel.

Habitat

• Found in forests, open grassy meadows and marshes, and near water.
• Eat voles, pocket gophers, mice, ground and tree squirrels, rabbits; to a lesser degree birds, eggs, snakes, frogs, and insects.

Behavior

• Breed in early July and August; one litter of 6–9 young per year.
• Solitary animals except during breeding and rearing of young.