Only
one species of weasel occurs in Arizona–the
long-tailed weasel, which is readily identified
by its dark brown coat and orangish underparts.
Some white is often present on the head,
and some animals may turn all white in winter.
Male weasels are larger than the females,
the animals ranging in length from 8 to 10½ inches
with the black-tipped tail adding another
4 to 6 inches. Weights range from 7 to12
ounces for males and from 3 to 7 ounces for
females. Voice is a high-pitched shriek.
Weasels in Arizona are largely restricted to high elevation wooded areas
such as the Kaibab Plateau, Mogollon Rim, Chuska-Lukachukai mountains,
and southern Arizona’s sky-islands.
Natural History
Weasels are voracious predators, taking cottontail rabbits, hares, and
rodents much larger than themselves. They also take birds, snakes, and
lizards.
Weasels breed in midsummer, but, because of delayed implantation, the four
to eight young are not born until the following spring. Usually nests in
old burrows or under rock piles and other debris.
Hunting and Trapping History
No record is kept of the number of trappers who claim to take this animal.
The number of weasels trapped in Arizona is assumed to be very low, however,
due to the animal’s limited distribution and numbers, small pelt,
and the current low number of trappers.
Only
one species of weasel occurs in Arizona–the
long-tailed weasel, which is readily identified
by its dark brown coat and orangish underparts.
Some white is often present on the head,
and some animals may turn all white in winter.
Male weasels are larger than the females,
the animals ranging in length from 8 to 10½ inches
with the black-tipped tail adding another
4 to 6 inches. Weights range from 7 to12
ounces for males and from 3 to 7 ounces for
females. Voice is a high-pitched shriek.
