Weasel Mustela nivalis

The Weasel is the UK's smallest mustelid and smallest mammal carnivore. It is common on mainland Britain but absent in Ireland. Called the Least Weasel outside UK, it is common through much of the temperate northern hemisphere.

It's main prey is voles/mice but it is brave enough to take rats and small rabbits much bigger than itself. It climbs well and will take young birds or eggs.

The UK subspecies of Weasel is around 25 cm long including its short tail. Males are larger than females.

The Weasel is much smaller than the Stoat. They both have reddish brown fur with a white chest and belly. The Weasel's tail is much shorter and has no black tip. In Britain, the Weasel does not turn white in winter, unlike some northern Stoats. (In other northern countries it can turn white.)