Controlling nuisance weasels in Missouri
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"Two species of weasels occur in Missouri Long-tailed weasels (Mustela frenata) are found throughout Missouri but are seldom seen. The smaller least weasel (Mustela nivalis) is found only in northern areas of the state (Figure 1). The upper parts of these animals are yellowish to dark brown; under parts, white with a yellow tint. In winter, the coat of weasels in northern portions of the state is usually white except for a black tip on the tail. The fur is known as ermine. Weasels are in the family Mustelidae, which also includes mink, skunks, badgers and river otters. Mink (Mustela vison) occur statewide but are a semi-aquatic species mainly found in wetlands. Although weasels and mink seldom cause damage, both species may kill poultry or other domestic fowl. Missouri allows trapping during a designated season. Weasels live in many habitats but prefer woodlands, brushy fence rows and thickets along watercourses. They live in shallow burrows made by moles or woodchucks, in rock piles, under tree roots and in dense, brushy vegetation. They eat small animals and dead prey they store in their burrows. They prefer rodents such as mice, rats and voles but also eat squirrels, chipmunks, shrews, moles, rabbits, small birds, bird eggs, reptiles, amphibians, earthworms and some insects. Despite their small size, weasels are voracious predators. They mate in July or August, and young are born the following April or May. Gestation averages 279 days, but the fertilized embryos are dormant a long time before implantation and further development. A single litter usually consists of four to eight young. Weaning begins about 5 weeks of age. Young males do not mate their first summer. Females become sexually mature when they are 3 to 4 months old." -- first page
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Archive version. For the most recent information see extension.missouri.edu.
OpenAccess.
OpenAccess.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License.
Provided for historical documentation only. Check Missouri Extension and Agricultural Experiment Station websites for current information.
Provided for historical documentation only. Check Missouri Extension and Agricultural Experiment Station websites for current information.