Mustela erminea

The Stoat is a small mammal, up to 30cms long that can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere as well as being introduced into non native areas such as New Zealand. Similar to the Weasel in the UK it can be identified by its slightly larger size and black tail tip. It is mostly nocturnal but will sometimes come out in the day. It is an opportunist carnivore with a varying diet consisting of insects, rodents, birds and their young and eggs, fish, reptiles and amphibians. It is a skillful tree climber and its long slim body allows it to chase burrowing animals such as rabbits very effectively. It is a highly territorial animal and can be very aggressive towards the same sex.