Tracks

sinuous gliding or bounding motion leaving paired tracks. Toe pad marks on hind feet 4 toe pads showing claw marks will be see on occasion.
Weasel map

Kills similar to:

The Weasel

Weasels may appear cute and harmless, however they are actually fearless, bloodthirsty hunters who will kill your birds if given the opportunity. They may be small, but they are known for killing and carrying off animals up to 10 times their size.

A weasel actually kills very similar to a jaguar. It will corner and grab the bird, wrap its muscular tiny body around them to immobilize them before delivering a single fatal bite to the back of the head---to puncture their skull or spinal cord. They may kill several birds in one night, often placing them in a neat pile. Closely spaced pairs of canine tooth marks are a sign of a weasel. To consume the eggs, weasels will completely crush the eggshells similar to the opossum.

Appearance: Weasels are small slender, vicious, carnivorous mammals of the Mustelidae family (the same family as badgers, wolverines, minks, ferrets, and otters). There are several different species of weasels that are found worldwide and on every continent except for Australia and it's surrounding islands. Each species of weasel varies in color, size and to a small extent their behavior. The common weasel (also referred to as the Least weasel or European weasel) is the most widespread throughout the northern hemisphere.

Behavior: Weasels are solitary animals that spend the majority of their time hunting on the ground both during the day as well as at night.

Habitat: Weasels are known to make nests in tree roots, abandoned burrows lined with grass and fur, and crevices that are located in a variety of different habitats, including wooded areas, grass plains, and urban farm areas.

PoultryDVM Predator Profile - The Weasel

How to Prevent Weasel Attacks

Ensure there are no openings larger than 3/4" thick, 3" wide : Weasels have flexible rib cages, allowing them to flatten their bodies to fit through very small spaces. Seal areas with 1/2" plastic-coated hardware cloth. Do not use chicken wire, as it is not effective for keeping weasels out.

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