Feeding Stoat

Stoats and weasels are very similar in appearance but there are some differences, particularly in their size. Stoats are the larger of the two, but often you only get a glimpse so even that knowledge doesn't always make identification easy. They are both highly charged animals that are constantly on the move and lightening quick.

Here are some of the main differences between stoats and weasels:

SIZE
Weasel: 15-25cm
Stoat: 15-30cm

WEIGHT
Weasel: 50-120g
Stoat: 100-450g

COLOUR
Weasel: Light brown with pale underside
Stoat: Light brown with pale underside and black tail. Stoats in the UK turn white in winter.

THE BEST PLACES TO SEE STOATS AND WEASELS IN THE UK
Weasel: All over - use the search function on this website
Stoat: All over - use the search function on this website

WHERE CAN YOU SEE THEM IN THE WORLD?
Weasel: Most of Europe, parts of Asia, North Africa and North America
Stoat: Much of Northern Europe, not in the Southern Regions

PREY
Weasel: Voles, mice, small rabbits, eggs, birds
Stoat: Voles, Mice, Rabbits, Hares, Birds, Eggs, Chickens

LIFESPAN
Weasel: 3 years
Stoat: 10 years

REPRODUCTION
Weasel: They will raise two litters a year of between 3 and 6 kits in Spring and Summer with the young able to fend for themselves after only 5 weeks, by which time they are already able hunters.

Stoat: Stoats on the other hand only have one litter per year in Spring but the breeding takes place in early summer of the previous year, with the females able to keep the fertilised egg implanted until it is allowed to gestate. A typical litter size is between 6 and 12 kits.

POPULATION
Weasel: Weasels are quite common across the UK
Stoats: Stoats are quite common throughout the UK