The Stoat
AKA the Ermine; Mustelea Erminea
The Stoat
- The stoat is a species of mustelid, related to wolverines and ferrets
- Sexual dimorphism is pronounced
- Males range from 10-14 inches long, weighing 7-17.6 ounces
- Females range from 6.2-10.6 inches, weighing often less than 6.2 ounces
Diet
- The stoat feeds mostly on rodents and lagomorphs (rabbits and hares)
- Diet is predominantly mouse-like rodents, such as mice and voles.
- Stoats will hunt larger prey, like rabbits and pikas when the opportunity arises
- Stoats will surplus kill (kill more than they can eat) on occasion and store the extra food for later. Stoats avoid over-consumption of food to avoid obesity, as a fat stoat has difficulty hunting underground
An ermine
When a stoat has a white coat, it is called an ermine.
Another Ermine
Two Stoats
The Ermine
When a stoat is all white (the end of the tail can be an acception) it is called an ermine. These animals are the same species.
Reproduction
- Males become sexually mature at 10-11 months
- Females are sexually mature at 2-3 weeks, and have usually mated before even being weaned.
- Stoats are not monogamous, litters often share mixed lineage
- Gestation approximately 280 days
Special Adaptations
The stoat is adapted to hunting in burrows, and so has small ears and orifices to prevent dirt entering them.
How to Identify a Stoat
Look for an animal shaped about like a summer sausage with legs and a tail. It will have fur. This is a stoat.
Habitat
Almost any temperate climate