There are a few things to consider before you decide to buy a weasel for your family. You may have questions about the safety of a wild weasel.
So you can expect the best, we’ve compiled a list from various sources and searched the internet for interesting facts about these animals.
Weasel Facts
We think these 18 facts about weasels will be of interest to you.
1. Ferrets and weasels are closely related
Ferrets and weasels are distant cousins. They both belong to the same family, the Mustelidae. Although the weasel is smaller than the ferret and has a shorter tail, they share a similar appearance. The Mustelidae also includes the polecat, mink, otter, and other animals.
2. The weasel’s size is small
The weasel, which measures only 7-9 inches in length, is the smallest carnivorous creature on Earth. Some breeds can weigh less than one ounce while others are as light as one ounce.
3. Weasels will target larger prey
Although the weasel might appear friendly and sweet, it is a strong predator that will attack prey up to ten times its size. They even have the ability to kill small rabbits. Their primary food source is small rodents.
4. Weasels are always hungry
Because of its small metabolism and low high, the weasel must hunt continuously and consume 60% of its daily weight to keep them healthy. Hunting is an integral part of their lives. Unlike other animals, they will hunt and kill even if they have just eaten.
5. Weasels do a war dance
A weasel will dance a war dance before it kills its prey when it corners it. The war dance can be seen in the Mustelidae family members, especially the ferret.
6. Weasels can spray like a skunk
The scent gland of the weasel is very similar to that of the skunk. It will spray predators when it feels trapped. It is quicker than the skunk and can deploy the spray even when there isn’t any danger.
7. Some species of weasels are on the verge of extinction
Weasels are generally not considered to be a threat to humans, and they are unlikely to become extinct. Some species, such as the Columbian and Japanese weasels are in decline and are on a list that is endangered or threatened.
8. Weasels keep their food in a sealed container
Weasels are known to attack larger prey and need to store food for later. A typical cache of weasels can hold up to 50 dead animals for them to eat later.
9. Under ultraviolet light, weasels shine
The majority of weasels have brown fur with a white belly. Sometimes, the fur is all white. If you shine ultra-violet lighting on it, it will glow with a purple color.
10. Pet weasels can go to sleep for up to 20 hours per day
Domesticated weasels can get up to 20 hours of sleep per night if they are not hunted. This is more than any cat. You should be aware that extra sleep can lead to weight gain so they are not allowed to eat as much.
11. Pet weasels may not be suitable for all households
The weasel can be a predatory hunter and will attack small pets like birds, mice, rats, rabbits, and cats. It is best to not keep other pets with the weasel. You can also get it to bite if you step on it.
12. Weasels are not dangerous to humans
The weasel is safe to be around pregnant women and children, unlike many other animals, including cats.
13. Pet Weasels are more comfortable in pairs
It’s a good idea for a weasel to have two pets. If they have been neutered, it is possible to have two of the same or opposite sex. They don’t like other household pets and will need their own company.
14. Pet Weasels love human company
Pet weasels love being around people and are curious so they will often be underfoot when you make any noise or cause a disturbance. You should always be careful with them as they can easily get stepped on or sent flying by mistake.
15. Some areas make it illegal to keep weasels.
California and Hawaii make it illegal to have ferrets, weasels, or any other members of the Mustelidae. Although not illegal at the state or local level, there may be laws in place that prohibit you from owning a pet weasel.
16. Weasels must run
The weasel is very energetic and needs to be active for many hours each day. You should allow your pet to roam freely in your home if you have one. If your pet seems slow, you will need to play the same games as a cat.
17. Weasels eat everything
Weasels love to take over the nests of their prey in the wild. However, they will often collect items around the house to make them as pets. They will eat almost anything they can carry, but they also love to chew any items they find. They love plastic cups and similar items. They will steal action figures or dolls left unattended by children.
18. Weasels have hairballs
Weasels do the same thing as cats, and can also make hairballs. Uncontrollable vomiting or constipation can be caused by hairballs. Vomiting can also cause vomiting, which can lead to dehydration.
Summary
Although weasels are easy to obtain, many people own them. Weasels can be kept as pets because they are smaller and more aggressive than other pets. Although they love to be underfoot and bite children, stepping on them could cause them to bite. It is also illegal in certain places. If it did escape, it could pose a threat to wildlife.
We hope that you enjoyed our list of fascinating facts and learned something about these small predators. These 18 amazing facts about the weasel are shared on Facebook and Twitter if you think it would be of interest to others.
Is a weasel a nice pet?
Weasels are wild animals, which means they are not often kept as pets. These nefarious creatures dwell in burrows akin to prairie dogs.
What’s the distinction between a weasel and a ferret?
Weasels are untamed species that are difficult to coexist with.
Are fleas carried by weasels?
There is a wide range of external parasites that live in the fur of the long-tailed weasel. There are several species of fleas, ticks, and chiggers that may be discovered, and the species encountered will vary depending on geographic area.
Can you control a weasel?
Summary. While weasels are popular as pets and are not difficult to obtain, they may not be as good as their close kin, the ferret. Weasels are smaller and more vicious, thus no other pets are allowed. They prefer to stay underfoot, but treading on them can provoke them to bite, perhaps causing injury to youngsters.
Do weasels have a distinct odor?
Weasels frequently feed on larger creatures than themselves. Weasels, like their skunk cousins, secrete foul-smelling secretions from their anal glands as a protection strategy and maybe to identify their territory.
Do weasels urinate?
Weasels, like most carnivores, consume two more strongly smelling substances: scats and urine.
How long do weasels live as pets?
Ferrets are weasel relatives that have been tamed for almost 2000 years. Ferrets have an average lifetime of 5-7 years, however, the oldest ferret on record is 14 years old!
Do weasels have a bark?
The most typical sound of a weasel is a high-pitched screech. Weasel hiss, growl, snarl, and produce strange noises like “took-took-took” and “choo-choo-choo.”
Can weasels cause harm?
Weasels, in general, are not hazardous to humans and normally avoid human contact. They will, however, use their keen fangs to protect themselves against pet dogs and cats. The pests, like other wildlife, may attack people if they are threatened or imprisoned.
What illnesses do weasels transmit?
The following zoonotic illnesses are related to mustelids: Rabies virus (rhabdovirus) may infect nearly any mammal. Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection caused by the species Salmonella. Campylobacter is a gram-negative bacteria that is found all over the world.