The weasel family (Mustelidae) is extensive, with a weasel for every habitat and niche. In BC there lives the short-tailed weasel or ermine, the least weasel, the long-tailed weasel, the mink, otter, marten, fisher, wolverine and badger. The common stripped skunk and less common spotted skunk are cousins of the weasels. When startled weasels will also release a scent similar to skunks, that is much fainter.
Weasels are strictly carnivorous and have very high metabolisms. They must eat 40 percent of their body weight per day to satisfy this high metabolism. Lactating females may eat up to 70% of their body weight per day. They are very effective hunters and eat mostly mice but they can hunt rats, wild birds, snakes, rabbits, hares, fish, musk-rats and in the case of the wolverine occasionally will kill small or weak deer.
As they kill many rodents a day, they are a valuable creature to have around to keep these populations in check. This is a big benefit for garden and homes. Old time trappers would consider it good luck to have a weasel in or around the cabin, as these little carnivors are more effective than cats in eliminating mice.
For people who own chickens having a weasel around can be costly. A weasel will often kill many chickens in one effort. I have heard of up to 7 chickens killed in one night. This is due to the weasel’s high metabolism, not blood lust. Normally they cache the remains of kills, to feed on at a later date.
If you have chickens where weasels are present, a bit of effort can be taken to prevent them getting in your coupe. Weasels do not burrow, but they will use holes dug by rats and other creatures. To avoid them gaining access through the floor use cement or patio paving squares for the base of your coupe. Weasels can squeeze through most chicken wire. Mesh with openings larger than a quarter is enough to let a smaller weasels pass. Use hardware cloth or poultry netting which has much smaller openings than chicken wire. This is a bit more expensive, but it is a good long-term investment against the loss of chickens. As weasels are excellent climbers make sure your coupe has a roof, either solid or also made of poultry netting.
For most people weasels are harmless rodent killing machines. Making an effort to protect your livestock from weasels will allow you to enjoy the benefit these little creatures bring.
If you wish to discuss any other issues regarding wildlife, contact the WildSafeBC coordinator, David White by email: nelson@wildsafebc.com or call 250-505-6007.
If you are experiencing a conflict with wildlife please call the Conservation Officer Service, RAPP Line at 1 (877) 952-7277.
WildSafeBC gratefully acknowledges the support of the program by the Ministry of Environment, the Columbia Basin Trust, The City of Nelson, and areas E&F of the Regional District of the Central Kootenay.