Weasel among flowers
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
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
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Comments
By DEAN EVANS: Absolutely brilliant pics you must be so patient although i have to say i have been in woodland just sitting waiting watching and listening and had foxes badgers squirrels and weasels and a whole lot more walk right past me and did manage to take mobile phone pic of badger cub in the dark about 8ft away could not even see it just knew it was close just pointed phone camera in general direction and and caught it even flash did not worry it cos it just carried on mooching through undergrowth it was memorable day as you probably know too well in your job.