There is an active one in my kitchen right now. Someweaselsterritories can be up to 40 acres. Gestation takes approximately 280 days and will result in an average of six or seven kits. So far, eighteen subspecies have been recognized across the world. Mink are generally larger than other weasels. Least Weasels mark their territory with a pungent musk that they also use to warn predators. Marten. This can be quite problematic if your property has ever had skunks or other burrowing rodents create dens. Length: 7.5-11 inches. University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln. The least weasel stands out as being the smallest carnivore in the world, reaching a maximum length of 8 inches and weighing no more than 4.5 ounces. Since weasel habitats include many low-clearance places like sheds, decks, and areas around your landscape, its important to exclude wildlife to protect your property. They feast primarily on voles, although they wont turn up their noses at mice or rats. Didnt think they could catch or would eat cats but they are resourceful. A post shared by Prashobh Ailyam (@prashobhailyam). Weasels have long, slender bodies with comparatively short legs. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. [7] In Macedonia, however, weasels are generally seen as an omen of good fortune. Theyll also eat insects, worms, snakes and frogs. Montana Field Guide contains a wealth of information about Montana's diverse species. It is hard to find a bird that can adapt better than a Great Horned Owl. These types of weasels are nocturnal, motile, territorial, and solitary. Both sexes hoot, but males are lower-pitched than females. Long-tailed weasels will release a strong-smelling musk during mating season or if feels threatened. It is the second one we have seen this year and have never seen one before in the 11 years of living here. 379 pp. Males are 18 inches long, including a six-and-a-half-inch tail, and weigh about eight ounces. Barred Owls are the species that I have observed the most in the wild. Even the largest of weasels can only grow up to 16 inches, while ferrets can get up to 24 inches. Short-tailed weasel breeding season happens from late spring and into summer. The St. Johnsbury weasel did not return. Cat-Guard Exclusion Systems are a permanent wildlife barrier designed to protect your home, business, and other structures from weasels and other rodents. During winter, their fur is very dense, fluffy, and short. Least weasels have body colors that vary geographically. Marten, on the other hand, dwell in trees in coniferous forests. To help you know the different types of weasels, we are going to discuss five main types of weasels; their habitat, appearance, behavior, size, weight, and lifespan. Weasels feed on small mammals and have from time to time been considered vermin because some species took poultry from farms or rabbits from commercial warrens. Use mesh cloth. Believe it or not, these owls will gather the waste of other animals and spread it out like a welcome mat around the entrances to their den. Armstrong, R.S. In adults, the tails lengths range from 10.2 to 20.3 cm (4-8 inches). Behaviorally, these weasels are curious, bold, and alert. 4 oz. They have a gestation period of 10 months. opens IMAGE file Ermine She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' know, The 17 Types of Weasels: Species & Colors. Some types of corals are considered keystone species as well. We have seen field weasels here in Troy, ID before, but I have never seen a white ermine. Weasels / wizlz / are mammals of the genus Mustela of the family Mustelidae. In summers, ermines grow brown furs with whitish throat, chest, and belly. Svendsen, G. E. 1982. . The English word "weasel" was originally applied to one species of the genus, the European form of the least weasel (Mustela nivalis). Yellow-bellied weasels measure 9.8-10.6 inches (25-27 cm) in body length and 4.9-5.9 inches (12-15 cm) in tail length. These vicious predators are closely related to the stoats. The family Mustelidae, or mustelids (which also includes badgers, otters, and wolverines), is often referred to as the "weasel family". That was in the last 10 years. Chat with our pest control experts or start scheduling your inspection online. They have brown-colored fur on most of their bodies, with the exception of the belly fur, which is white. For more information about Cat-Guard Exclusion Systems and a free inspection, contact our wildlife technicians today. Learn more. They frequently prey on water voles, red squirrels, chipmunks, muskrats, and mice. The genus Mustela includes the least weasels, polecats, stoats, ferrets, and European mink. The tail in males is about 6.1-8.3 inches (15.5-21 cm), while females have tails measuring 5.2 -6.5 inches (13.3 16.4 cm) in length. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. Tuesday through Saturday I use to catch them but I haven't tried for them for a long time. Theres some dispute as to whether the Egyptian weasel is their own species at all or if theyre simply a subspecies of the least weasel. Copyright 2023 - VIVO Pets. Weasels do have a useful role within most habitats and can often . Territory and home range: Male weasels territory will overlap with female territories but never with other male territories. The name barred derives from the horizontal stripes of alternating light brown and dark brown on the wings, back, and tail. Im Noah, chief editor at VIVO Pets and the proud owner of a playful, energetic husky (Max). Short-tailed weasels have short tails, and long-tailed weasels have, well, you know. Tried to shoot it, but was to fast. Pair bonding style: Polygamous. The least weasel has a reddish brown back, sides, tail and top of head with white underparts. The Indonesian mountain weasel is limited to the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia, where they live at elevations of 1,000 meters or more. Close off any holes that are 1 or greater. They are found across North America, Europe, and Asia, primarily in grasslands, pastures, and shrubby areas. There are. Least weasels have a long, slender body. They range from dark brown to reddish-brown in color and are generally monochromatic (although they sometimes have lighter-colored fur on their chest). There are three species living in North America. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. The black-footed ferret is also known as the American polecat or prairie dog hunter, and theyre found in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Arizona. Control strategies that dont work particularly well or arent legal in Nebraska: Collect dog or cat hair and spread it around the area weasels frequent, Sprinkle red pepper flakes around the perimeter of the area you are trying to keep the weasels out of. The species is nearly extinct due to a reduction in the prairie dog population, as well as outbreaks of sylvatic plague among the members. While Burrowing Owls can make a wide variety of sounds, they are not especially vocal. Theyre currently considered near-threatened, however, largely due to their environment and food supply becoming threatened as well. They weigh about 85 to 350 g (3 to 12.3 ounces). Of the different species of weasels, there are three species that call North America home: long-tailed weasel, short-tailed weasel, and least weasel. Averagely the females measure 20.3 -22.8 cm (7.9-8.9) head and body length, and 7.6-12.7 cm (2.9 -5) tail length. Although creatures in the weasel family are often just called weasels, they are actually split up into a variety of species. Adaptable to many habitats, the weasel can be found in wooded areas, along waterways, under tree roots, in piles of rocks, and in high-density plant growth. 1 Europe and Northern Asia division excludes China. ), with the smallest species living on the Galapagos Islands (260 grams/9.2 oz.). At birth, the offspring is blind and helpless. Mammals of the northern Great Plains. Sign up for my weekly emails and and receive my 179 page eBook "Bird Feeding Secrets" in your inbox. Habitat: Prefer rocky or wooded areas that are not dense, open woodland. The flakes will irritate any soft tissue itcomes into contact with, Noisemakers may startle the weasel but wont drive them off, For information on pesticides follow the link,https://nda.nebraska.gov/pesticide/regulate.html, Introduction to the Best Practices Training Manual for nuisance wildlife control operators, Balancing the Needs of People and Wildlife, Rabbit, Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), Florida Black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus), Louisiana Black bear (Ursus americanus luteolus), Mississippi Nuisance Wildlife Trapping/Relocating Permit Application, Nuisance Bat Encounters Temporary Prohibition on Release of Bats, RE: Nuisance wildlife control involving bats encountered in residences, Oklahoma Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) Title 800 Information, Introduction to New York WCO Training Program, Pelican Damage Prevention and Control Methods, https://nda.nebraska.gov/pesticide/regulate.html. November 1- March 31 American Mink Neogale vison. They may be small, but they are mighty! In a single night, they can move up to 8 km. It seems like most sloughs here have weasel tracks in them but people seldom set for them. During summer, they mate and breed in northern Canada on the tundra. A long-tailed weasel and freshly killed prey a vole at Santa Cruz County's Bonny Doon Beach. (Links below take you to Amazon). The Siberian weasel has a huge natural habitat ranging all over Asia, and their large numbers make them one of the healthiest species on this list in terms of population. This species only attains a length (body plus tail) of 4.9 in (12.5 cm), and a weight of 1.47 oz (42 g). The Crossword Solver finds answers to classic crosswords and cryptic crossword puzzles. In fact, they tend to thrive wherever they are introduced and are considered an invasive species in places like New Zealand, where theyve had a disastrous effect on bird populations. I could just wing it and beak-off about these birds all day long, but I really do give a hoot, and soon you would be talon me to stop it. However, they have another, far superior name that isnt used as often: Don Felipes weasel.. The stoat is of the mustelid family, larger than the least weasel and considered particularly aggressive. Besides leopards in the Old World, mountain lions in the New World . The next most diverse group in the state is the bats. Amazon weasels ( Mustela africana ), also known as tropical weasels, are found in South America. Nebraska provides habitats for 6 endangered species of birds: bald eagles, whooping cranes, sandhill cranes, peregrine falcons, and piping plovers. The largest species of least weasels have body lengths ranging from 25 to 30 cm (10-12). Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. They also have legs that are the relatively short and elongated head that is narrower and relatively small. Weasels vary a lot in size and can be anywhere from 4 to 12 inches in length and 1 to 13 ounces in weight. HabitatThe Least Weasel inhabits open areas such as meadows, marshes, brushy areas, and agricultural fields. Stoat (Mustela erminea) also called ermine, is native to North America, Asia, and some parts of Europe. UNL web framework and quality assurance provided by the, Apply to the University of NebraskaLincoln, Give to the University of NebraskaLincoln, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Identify Amphibians, Turtles, Reptiles, or Frogs, Identify Cranes, Peregrine Cam, Eagles, or Prairie Chickens, Identify Bald Eagles, Whooping Cranes, Sandhill Cranes, Peregrine Falcons, or Piping Plovers. This sandy-colored small bird lives in underground burrows dug by ground squirrels or prairie dogs, and you'll find it in western Nebraska in the summertime. Need Catseye immediately? While I dont know about other areas I have caught 3 weasels and saw one live in the past 3 years. The species is called ermine especially during its winter white colour phase. These weasels can be found throughout North America and well into South America. I love learning and writing about different animals that can be kept as pets. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA. [15] Mock, O. Theyre excellent at avoiding detection, though, so its unlikely that well learn more about them anytime soon. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. [4] In 2021, both Neovison species, along with the long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata), Amazon weasel (Mustela africana) and Colombian weasel (Mustela felipei) were moved to the genus Neogale, as the clade containing these 5 species was found to be fully distinct from Mustela.[5]. Technically, the length of a short-tailed weasel's tail is 44% or less of the length of its head and body. Still, farmers love them because they keep surrounding property fairly rodent-free, protecting other animals from the diseases that mice and rats carry. The weasel group includes three species of weasel (long-tailed, short-tailed, least), mink, fisher, and river otter. Way smarter than mice, so my cats are figuring out what to do about it. The tremolo is used by pairs to keep in contact with each other and lasts between 3 to 6 seconds. Here in Dallas we have coyotes now and they eat cars. Coloring is usually brown, gray, or black with markings ranging from white to yellow. These nocturnal creatures tend to inhabit abandoned barns (hence the name). Timber rattlesnake The timber rattlesnake, a threatened species, is a stocky, venomous snake. Weasels, stoats, and even domesticated ferrets all perform a hilarious "weasel war dance" when they've got their prey cornered. They were in barns that had heavy straw or hay on the ground. It is said that Mount Iizuna, from the Nagano Prefecture, got its name due to how the gods gave people mastery of this technique from there. Populations . The animal is considered an obligate synanthrope, which means theyve evolved to the point where they must live close to humans. [10], They are also said to shapeshift like the fox (kitsune) or tanuki, and the nyd-bzu told about in legends in the Thoku region and the Chbu region are considered weasels in disguise, and they are also said to shapeshift into nyd and little monks. Nebraska is home to 206 butterfly species, including the Monarch butterfly, the Grey Hairstreak butterfly, and the Orange Sulfur butterfly. During the mating season, males are quite talkative. Worldwide (domesticated); New Zealand (non-native). Top story . Northern Saw-whet Owls seem to prefer dense coniferous or mixed hardwood forests, with a river nearby. Since these owls are relatively large, they are at the top of the food chain. Interestingly, females will breed indiscriminately with various males in any given season, having more than one clutch of eggs. These weasels are found in Asia, where they hunt birds, mice, voles, and other small mammals. Combined with their excellent camouflage, these owls are EXTREMELY hard to spot in Nebraska! I dont think theres another owl species that does hooting better than a Great Horned Owl! The Siberian Weasel inhabits secondary forests that are 1400-1700 m above sea level. Use the search! I've only seen two live ones in my life in the state. . Their habitat ranges from lowland swamps to mountainous forests. Mink can be brown or black, but many mink in Iowa are black year-round. The early 80s. The temptation to intersperse this entire article with puns is almost overwhelming. Weasel vs. Ferret: What Is the Difference. Extirpated by the 1920 in Nebraska due to habitat loss and unregulated trapping, the river otter has made an outstanding comeback in Nebraska thanks to reintroduction efforts by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. You are allowed to trap weasel in Nebraska but first must obtain a permit from Nebraska Game & Parks Commission. Their white plumage stops almost everyone in their tracks, both birders and non-birders alike! This species is believed to be native to Bo . Long-tailed weasels den in Chipmunk burrows, under stumps, and beneath rocks. They primarily feed on birds and small rodents. The short-tailed weasel occurs in Canada, Alaska, and the northeastern, Great Lakes, and Exclude mice and other prey that weasels eat from your property. The Japanese sub-species have an average lifespan of 2.1 years, whereas the western subspecies live between 5-6 years. In North America, the Mustela species commonly referred to as weasels are the long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) and the least weasel (Mustela nivalis), both of which are widely distributed. Weasels are crepuscular, active at twilight (dusk and dawn), and it must consume a quarter to a third of its body weight every day to survive. Other weasel sounds range from soft bark-like noises, hisses, to chirps. You might be seeing an ermine, otherwise known as a stoat or short-tailed weasel, ( Mustela erminea ), the least weasel ( Mustela nivalis) or a mink ( Mustela vison ). Females are four inches shorter and less than half the weight. I just saw a completely black owl at dusk in Nebraska. All south of I80 near Kearney. AppearanceThe Least Weasel, Mustela nivalis,is small mammal generally larger than a mouse yet smaller than a rat. Three species of weasels are found in Canada: the short-tailed weasel, also known as the ermine or stoat ( Mustela erminea ), the long-tailed weasel ( Mustela frenata ), and the least weasel ( Mustela nivalis ). Copyright Critter Control. This allows the critter to eat when food is scarce. Alaska, Canada, the Great Lakes region, and most of the northeast and northwest play host to the short-tailed weasel. There are three species of weasels found in different areas of North America long-tailed, short-tailed, and least weasels. Whether its long-tailed weasels, or another member of the family, the critter can certainly help with rodent control. Finally, Least Weasel would also benefit from an assessment of potential extrinsic stressors in the state, such as potential exposure to secondary poisoning from rodenticides, . The species in Mexico are generally larger than their northern counterparts. Mink average 13-18 inches long and weigh up to 3 pounds, whereas ermine weigh 0.2-0.3 pounds and least weasels weigh 1-2 ounces. It also occurs in Japan. Their typical call is repeated anywhere from 10 to 200 times and sounds like a low hoo, evenly spaced every few seconds. Mink and ermine both have a tail that is about a third of their body length, whereas the least weasels tail is a little bit shorter about a quarter of its body length. For those of us who grew up in rural areas, we often heard stories of weasels raiding chicken coops or being spotted hunting mice in grain bins. They build dens in the ground and prey on birds, voles, mice, rats, and other small animals. According to the encyclopedia Wakan Sansai Zue from the Edo period, a pack of weasels would cause conflagrations, and the cry of a weasel was considered a harbinger of misfortune. Low whistles, or trilling sounds, on the other hand can be used as a greeting. Another species native to Asia, the back-striped weasel actually has two stripes: a silvery one running from their head to the base of their tail and a yellowish one running down their chest onto their belly. These invasive predators are native to Eurasia, North America, and North Africa. Like other animals, male weasels are typically larger than females. Much like the long-tailed weasel, the short-tailed weasel, also known as the ermine, is a predator. The Weasel is a carnivorous animal that has sharp, pointed canine teeth which are used for biting and shearing flesh. Mustelidae - badgers, otters, martens, weasels. The Canadian and South American males measure 22.8-26 cm (8.9-10.2 ) head and body length, and 10.2 -51.2 cm (4-5.9) tail length. Weasels look rather similar to mink, though mink are dark-colored and larger than weasels with long tails and glossy coats. Never mind. Finches. D.M. Nebraska provides habitats for 6 endangered species of birds: bald eagles . These birds mostly hunt in the daytime when voles, their favorite meal, are active. They do not build homes; instead, they take over nest chambers, burrows, old and rotting stumps, haystacks, bog hummocks, rock piles, and cleft from rodents they kill. One example is ivory tree coral, which is found in the waters off the southeastern United States, the Gulf of Mexico, and the. Search Field Guide Advanced Search . Among those that do not are the three species of ermine,[* 1] the polecats, the ferret, and the European mink. Members of this genus are small, active predators, with long and slender bodies and short legs. They communicate through touch and by producing smells and other chemicals. Damage & Diseases Caused by Bird Nests Need to be Handled Quickly & Effectively The chirping of birds Read More, Wildlife Damage Management & Control If youre a business owner, its important to know the different threats to Read More, Learn the Best Methods for Getting Rid of Iguanas on Your Property in Florida Southwest Florida is known Read More. Historically, the white pelts were used in royal robes in Europe and also sold in the fur trade. However, in technical discourse and in American usage, the term "weasel" can refer to any member of the genus, or to the genus as a whole. This page might contain affiliate links, which will earn us a commission. In Japan, weasels (, itachi) were seen as ykai (causing strange occurrences). I found a dead one that my neighbors cat killed a couple years ago. Despite their large numbers, little is known about their behavior. In fact, stoats are capable of taking on and defeating prey twenty times heavier than themselves. Squirrels are commonly known as wild rodents that are found in forests and jungles, but also in gardens and parks. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. They have semi-webbed feet that make them great swimmers. Stoats (also known as ermines) are incredibly common throughout Eurasia and North America. Its dark eyes, smaller round ears, and long whiskers are easy to see. While we dont actually expect you to have a favorite type of weasel, it may still behoove you to familiarize yourself with the members of this list while you still can. Least weasel, photo by Keven Law, via Wikimedia Commons. Food habit studies revealed that they eat mice primarily, and sometimes consume 50% of their weight in mice nightly. They usually have a bushy tail and live in trees. Their tails may be from 34 to 52mm (1+14 to 2in) long.[3]. Required fields are marked *, Affiliate Disclosure: VIVOPets.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Ferrets and weasels also have slightly different . It is the smallest of all rabbits and hares, measuring just 24 to 29 cm (9.5 to 11.5 in) long and weighing . To keep the pests out of yards, contact the wildlife experts at Critter Control. Researchers, including a North Carolina State University zoologist, found in a new study that three species of weasels once common in North America are likely in decline, including a species that's considered the world's smallest carnivore. 1999. Besides being the most common insult used in 1940s gangster films, the yellow-bellied weasel gets their name from their dark yellow underbelly. This species of weasels is native to Asia, with a population distribution in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Taiwan, China, North Korea, Laos, and some parts of Russia. Abandoned woodpecker holes in deciduous trees are typically used for nests, but these owls will also use artificial nesting boxes. It turns white in the winter. Hoffmann and C. Jones. The American mink and the extinct sea mink were commonly included in this genus as Mustela vison and Mustela macrodon, respectively, but in 1999 they were moved to the genus Neovison. When defending their territory or searching for a mate, males make a loud hoo, hoo. This hoot is so loud that it can be heard up to 7 miles away on the tundra! Weasels are small carnivores belonging to the genus Mustela, together with the two remaining species of mink, 17 species of ferrets, and the ermine. InNebraskaweasels can be found throughout the state, mainly in wooded or rocky areas. The first two species have more economic importance than the third. Bridled weasels mate in July-August. I haven't caught one or seen any sign of one since. This gives them a distinct, rolling gait in which their bodies bend upward, reminiscent of an inchworm. I grew up on a farm and weasels killed our chickens and our cats didnt get them. They bound, jump, slide and play-fight to keep in shape for hunting. Badger, mink, opossum, raccoon, red fox, gray fox, and long tailed weasels may all be hunted and trapped during the primary hunting and trapping season Additional furbearers may be hunted and/or trapped along with these species; however, they have special rules or seasons that are addressed below. These animals have pale bodies with black feet, ears, faces, and parts of their tail. On average, the litter will have six kits. The least weasel, which is becoming ever-increasingly rare in Iowa, and the mink both lack a black tail tip. Weasels will even store food if they have a surplus. It has an elongated slender body (5-7 inches) with a short tail (1-2 inches) and short limbs. These similar-looking species of weasels are commonly hunted for their fur. Least weasels inhabit grasslands, forests, suburbs, and villages where they feed on rats, rabbits, voles, mice, frogs, birds, and bird eggs. Their range spans Europe, North America, much of Asia and South America, and small areas in North Africa. 2023 Catseye Pest Control|All Rights Reserved|Privacy Policy. Like many species of wildlife, weasels are seemingly cute animals that can still cause harm and/or property damage in ways we wouldnt always expect. Rat was bigger than the weasel. But some years, there is an irruption of Snowy Owls, and many more birds than normal migrate south. ( Martes pennanti ) Short-tailed Weasel (Ermine) ( Mustela erminea ) Long-tailed Weasel. To identify, look for their long tufts of feathers that resemble ears on their head. Pound for pound, the Least Weasel is one of the toughest, fiercest predators around and possibly Nebraska's smallest carnivore. Small birds, eggs, small snakes, and shrews are fair game when the opportunity presents itself. Species in the Northern Parts of the United States develop furs that are pure white during winters. Coloring is usually brown, gray, or black with markings ranging from white to yellow. Interestingly, they are one of the most common owls you can see during daylight hours! I grew up in Washington County, Nebraska. They resemble polecats more than proper weasels, although they have shorter tails and greater contrast in their fur. The least weasel is the smallest species in the order carnivora. WOW, I didnt think cats could kill weasels. However, that reputation ignores the incredible variance within the weasel genus, as there are quite a few creatures that fall under the weasel mantle (17 to be exact). They are mainly popular in the Northern Hemisphere where they adapt due to short fur that is dense. Female weasels are considerably smaller than males, however, both are small enough to pursue rats, mice and even field voles in their own tunnels. The findings show there's a need to better track weasels, researchers say. If obliged to flee its nest to draw off a predator, the parent will poop on the eggs so the smell will keep predators away. These animals stick to mountains or forests in areas that are close to water, and they primarily hunt mice, frogs, insects, and crayfish. They will become aggressive and attack any male intruders that come into their home range. The pests are closely related to ferrets, minks, and polecats and are often confused with these animals. These owls are quite large and look fierce! River otter ( Lontra canadensis ): The river otter is a large, semi-aquatic member of the weasel (or mustelid) family. Similar Species. Amongst owls, these guys are almost unique by being quite sociable. Belief was if you fed cats they wouldnt mouse. Nebraska is home to over 400 species of birds. Stoats are agile, slender, and voracious. Not sure what kind theynwhere but they where pretty big, like a small female mink. Litter Size: 6-9 young on average. Note the short tail. Its just like you placing a call to the pizza shop for delivery, hot fresh, and right to the door! Colorado is home of two species of weasels: the short-tailed weasel and the long-tailed weasel ( Mustela frenata ). With that in mind, we thought that it would be a good idea to take a closer look at the weasels of the world, so we can better understandand appreciatethese maligned mammals. The genus Mustela includes the least weasels, polecats, stoats, ferrets, and European mink. ( Mustela frenata ) Mink. Weight: 4.9-8.5 ounces. Included in the family are such charismatic critters as badgers, otters, ferrets and martens. The pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is a native species of Idaho that has become a matter of concern among wildlife conservationists in the state, as it is quite rare there.Predators such as badgers, coyotes, weasels and raptors, disease, and habitat loss have lowered its numbers.