Show tiny least weasel rated with other ferocious animals ounce for ounce with the possible exception of the shrews the tiny least weasel is the most ferocious and bloodthirsty animal of the mammalian class only a fraction over six inches in length and weighing on an average about one third of a pound it is distinguished from the other weasels by its extremely small size and almost total lack of the characteristic black tip to the tail with its long flattened head wide jaws and peculiar looping gait when scenting a trail it gives a definite impression of resemblance to a reptile there is a tense readiness about it comparable to a coiled spring held precariously in leash the least weasel is reddish brown above and white beneath in common with other weasels it possesses the ability to change to a white coat in winter which must give it an enormous advantage over the mice and birds upon which it preys in fact it is only in the light of the almost unbelievable fertility of its victims that one can conceive of their continued existence tor for all weasels are known to attack out of mere lust for killing however this is apparently part of natures scheme of checks and balances and the conduct of weasels should not be judged by human moral stane standards ards on the credit side are an enormous number of insects and rodent pests destroyed by this small predator thus making it decidedly beneficial to mans interests the four north american subspecies of this highly successful little carnivore range from alaska to hudson bay and southward to montana minnesota indiana and pennsylvania but in addition the species has recently been shown to be represented by old world races making it circumpolar in range nevertheless despite this wide radiation it is rarely taken in traps and little is known of its habits the nest usually grass lined is in a hole in a bank four to six young are born in a litter |