American Ermine
Mustela richardsonii
During winter, its fur turns completely white except for the black tip of its tail, which serves to distract airborne predators like hawks during an attack.
- Scientific name
- Mustela richardsonii
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Mammalia › Carnivora › Mustelidae › Mustela
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Boreal forests, coniferous woodlands, brushy areas, and alpine meadows.
- Diet
- Carnivorous; primarily hunts voles, mice, shrews, and occasionally young rabbits.
- Range
- North America, Canada, Northern United States, Alaska
- Size
- 17-33 cm in length, weighing 50-150 grams
- Lifespan
- 1 to 2 years in the wild
- Active
- crepuscular
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation, loss of forest cover, and secondary poisoning from rodenticides.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless to humans but highly defensive if cornered. Maintain a safe distance of at least 5 feet. Do not attempt to touch or corner them, as they have sharp teeth and can deliver a painful bite or release a musky odor. If bitten, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical advice to prevent infection.
The American ermine or short-tailed weasel ( Mustela richardsonii ) is a species of mustelid native to most of North America.
Photo: Christian Back, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
Plain-text version: /species/6c71b112-85e9-4b4a-9a4a-5f7e25cfd79c.md