Weasels, part of the family Mustelidae, are curious, yet cunning, mammals that are found in most parts of the U.S. and Canada. They take over burrows of other animals in a variety of habitats such as the tundra, forests, grasslands and around homes in wood piles. Fierce hunters themselves, weasels have several known predators.
Predators in Pursuit
Weasels have both terrestrial and arboreal predators. Arboreal predators, or animals that mainly live in trees, include birds such as northern goshawks, hawks, owls and falcons. Terrestrial predators, or animals that mainly live on land, include other weasels, minks, fishers, martens, foxes, coyotes, badgers, bobcats, cats, domesticated dogs and snakes.
Evasive Measures
Weasels, who are known to be quite aggressive, have several defense mechanisms against predators. As the seasons change, so does the weasel's fur coat. During the summer, their coats are brown. This helps them blend in with trees, shrubs and forest debris. In the winter, their coats commonly turn white so that they blend in with snow. Weasels also deter predators by producing a strong musky odor from their two scent glands, which are located under their tails.
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Writer Bio
Amanda Williams has been writing since 2009 on various writing websites and blogging since 2003. She enjoys writing about health, medicine, education and home and garden topics. Williams earned a Bachelor of Science in biology at East Stroudsburg University in May 2013. Williams is also a certified emergency medical technician.
