Stoat

Mustela erminea

Description

Can only be confused with the smaller weasel. Both have a reddish/brown back and white undersides. Stoats are much large although size isn't always easy to judge when you seen one flash across the road in front of you. Key identification features of stoat are a black tail tip (even on yound animals) and the line dividing the brown back fur and white underside is straight (wavy and irregular on weasel). Other less obvious features include a proportionally longer tail than weasel and slightly larger ears. In winter months the fur can be entirely, or as in most cases partially white except for the black tail tip.

A widespread species found throught the county in a variety of habitats. One of their favourite prey items are rabbits and they are often reported near to established rabbit warrens.

Stoats in their winter ermine fur are rare in Nottinghamshire so please report all sightings.

Photograph © Margaret Holland

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust

The Old Ragged School, Brook Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG1 1EA
Tel: 0115 958 8242 Fax: 0115 924 3175 e-mail: info@nottswt.co.uk
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