Least Weasels

We are firmly in the conservationist / protectionist camp when it comes to the animals with whom we share a home with at the cabin. But after seeing this, it’s pretty hard not to think “whack-a-mole.” Crazy!

After a little investigation (and IG crowd-sourcing for information), we discovered these are “least weasels.”

As we learned from the Minnesota DNR website: “Least weasels are specialized small mammal predators, eating primarily mice and voles. When small rodents become scarce, bird eggs and nestlings, moles, shrews, young rabbits, squirrels, rats, lizards, salamanders, frogs, fish, and insects may be taken. Least weasels are active during the day and night, patrolling a regular hunting route. They move rapidly searching every hole, tunnel, or burrow they can in search of mice. Their senses of sight, hearing, and smell are sharp and each contributes to finding prey. Typically, an individual will need to eat 40%-60% of its body weight each day in order to survive.”

Amazing!!