Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata)

 

Synonyms: Bridled Weasel (southern USA populations)

 

 

Mustela frenata is the most widely distributed mustelid in the Western Hemisphere. Its range extends from southern Canada throughout the United States, Mexico, and Central America, and into South America (to Peru and Bolivia). This species is found in a variety of habitats (forest, open woodlands, field edges, marshes, etc.), but usually near water. Long-tailed Weasel feeds mostly on rodents and other small mammals. Forty-two subspecies of Mustela frenata are recognized; M. f. noveboracensis is shown on this page.

In northern areas, Long-tailed Weasel moults twice annually, and its fur becomes white in winter; the dorsal fur is brown in summer, while the underparts are whitish or yellowish. The eyes are black in daylight, but glow emerald green in low light, as could be seen in some photos below.

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