Weasel  (Mustela nivalis)

Weasels are active at any time of day or night, and intersperse periods of activity with a rest period (3). They feed mainly on small rodents, rabbits, birds and eggs (3), killing prey with a bite to the neck (1). Their small size enables them to enter the tunnels of mice and voles whilst hunting (2), and they often take over the nests of their prey, lining their dens with fur from prey during cold weather (2). A number of dens will be used within the home range. Males and females occupy separate territories, and defend these against members of the opposite sex (2). During spring, males move around in search of a mate (2). The male and female often fight prior to copulation, and the male grabs the female by the neck before he mates (1). A single litter of between 4 and 6 (2) naked, blind and deaf (1) kits is produced each year; the kits are weaned after 3 to 4 weeks and begin to hunt well by 8 weeks of age (2), often accompanying their mother to hunt in 'gangs' (2). By 9 to 12 weeks after birth the family group starts to split up (1).

Historically, weasels were believed to have magical powers, and were said to be able to bring their dead young back to life. It was also thought that they hypnotised their prey by dancing (4); in fact 'dancing' behaviour is thought to be a response to discomfort caused by internal parasites (2).