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At high altitudes and in the northern part of its range, the coat becomes pure white in winter. Eighteen subspecies are recognised. Small rodents form the largest part of the least weasel's diet, but it also kills and eats rabbits, other mammals, and occasionally birds, birds' eggs, fish and frogs.
Despite this, Japanese weasels are known to hunt prey larger than them such as rabbits. Even as prey, rabbits pose a threat to weasels and are capable of kicking and dragging in defence. [11] In snowy areas in winter, Japanese weasels chase rodents through tunnels in the snow, using their slender bodies to their advantage.
The fur from the winter coat is referred to as ermine and is the traditional ancient symbol of the Duchy of Brittany, forming its earliest flag. There is also a design called ermine inspired by the winter coat of the stoat and painted onto other furs, such as rabbit. [55] In Europe these furs are a symbol of royalty and high status.
In the winter, water bowls and bottles can freeze up so you'll want to check them daily to ensure they have access to fresh water. Dr. MacMillan says: "Make sure that your rabbits get enough ...
In general, rabbits do not need a heater in the winter. Their fur provides a good amount of insulation, and as long as their living environment is adequately protected from the cold and wet, they ...
Rabbits and rodents can cause injury to the thin bark and twigs of young trees. When snow covers food sources normally sought during winter, these animals often move into home lawns in search of food.
Least weasels vary in length from 173 to 217 mm (6 + 3 ⁄ 4 to 8 + 1 ⁄ 2 in), [3] females being smaller than the males, and usually have red or brown upper coats and white bellies; some populations of some species moult to a wholly white coat in winter. They have long, slender bodies, which enable them to follow their prey into burrows.
The American ermine has a body plan typical of weasels. It has short legs, a long body and neck, and a small triangular head with short round ears. It has a brown dorsum with a white venter (except during winter when the coat is fully white) and a short, black-tipped tail. [2]